Can diagnostic imaging reliably predict the need for surgery in small bowel obstruction? Critically appraised topic

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) in many patients does not settle quickly. Surgeons often ask radiologists whether the SBO is resolving or is likely to resolve without surgery. In patients with SBO, can imaging reliably predict whether nonoperative management with be successful? Best current evidence was chosen according to the Oxford University National Health Service (NHS) Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) hierarchy of validity for studies of diagnosis. The retrieved studies were also categorized according to the 6-level hierarchical model of efficacy described by Fryback and Thornbury. (author)