Radiology Quiz 34034 | Radiopaedia.org

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What are the common causes of large bowel obstruction?

The common causes for large bowel obstruction include malignancy, diverticulitis and inflammation, and extraluminal compression. Adhesions and hernias are more common for small bowel obstructions. It is also important to realise that biochemical abnormalities (e.g. low potassium) can lead to ileus or "sluggish" bowel and a number of medicines can also alter bowel function leading to a "pseudo-obstructed" picture.

This large sigmoid volvulus was decompressed by rigid sigmoidoscopy. There was florid bowel activity for 24 hours following this so she was returned to her care home.

Unfortunately, within days, she represented with abdominal distention.