This episode examines intestinal obstruction as a surgical emergency defined by physiology, timing, and cause. Listeners are guided through mechanical and functional obstruction, with attention to adhesions, herniae, volvulus, tumours, and pseudo-obstruction.
The discussion emphasises early recognition, resuscitation, imaging interpretation, and the critical decision of when to operate. Red flags such as strangulation, perforation, and sepsis are explored in detail.
This chapter teaches obstruction as a test of surgical judgement — where delay carries risk, and premature intervention carries consequence.
