What is the most common cause of small bowel obstructions?

The most common cause of small bowel obstructions is adhesions. Adhesions are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs, often as a result of previous surgeries, particularly abdominal surgeries. They can cause the small intestine to become trapped or twisted, leading to an obstruction. This is especially prevalent in patients who have undergone prior abdominal procedures, as surgery can disrupt the normal architecture of the abdomen and lead to the development of these bands of tissue.

While hernias, neoplasms, and intestinal ischemia can also lead to small bowel obstructions, they are not as frequently encountered as adhesions. Hernias occur when a part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, but they are generally less common than adhesions as a cause of obstruction. Neoplasms can obstruct the bowel, but tumors in the small intestine are less common compared to those in the colon. Intestinal ischemia, which refers to a reduction in blood flow to the intestines, can lead to obstruction but is primarily a secondary condition rather than a direct mechanical cause.

Recognizing adhesions as the leading cause of small bowel obstructions is crucial for clinical practice, as it highlights the importance of surgical history in patients presenting with symptoms of bowel obstruction