Management of Malignant Bowel Obstruction in Advanced Cancer: A Brief Review

摘要

Malignant bowel obstruction is an odious complication of numerous malignancies, most notablyovarian and colorectal cancers. It reduces quality of life and promotes considerable physicaland emotional suffering, precluding a peaceful and comfortable death and deterring appropriatefamilial bereavement. Palliative management of bowel obstruction includesoperative and nonoperative strategies, with therapeutic selection based on patient preferenceand anticipated life expectancy. Available therapies include laparotomy, enteral intubation,intravenous and subcutaneous hydration, parenteral nutrition, and pharmacologic agents.