What is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction?

The most common cause of small bowel obstruction is adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form after abdominal or pelvic surgery. These adhesions can partially or completely block the intestines by creating abnormal connections between different bowel segments or between the bowel and other tissues or organs.

Surgical procedures are a significant risk factor for developing adhesions. As a result, any patient who has undergone surgery in the abdomen, whether for a gastrointestinal issue or another reason, may be at risk for developing these scar tissues that lead to obstruction.

While hernias are also a well-known cause of small bowel obstructions, especially in patients with prior surgical scars or weakened areas in the abdominal wall, adhesions remain more prevalent overall due to the high rate of abdominal surgeries performed. Similarly, intestinal tumors and volvulus, while they do contribute to bowel obstruction in various patient populations, are less common compared to the frequency of complications arising from adhesions. Therefore, understanding the role of adhesions in small bowel obstruction is crucial for identifying the underlying causes and managing patients appropriately in surgical practice.