Nonoperative management of small bowel obstruction leads to higher readmission and mortality risks

A retrospective analysis of 122,778 patients revealed that nonoperative management (NOM) of small bowel obstruction (SBO) significantly increases the likelihood of readmission and mortality. Readmission occurred in 29.8% of cases, with NOM patients exhibiting a 32% higher risk of readmission compared to those who underwent operative management (OM). Notably, NOM patients had a 50% greater chance of mortality during readmission, with each subsequent readmission raising mortality odds by 4%. Cost and complication rates were higher with OM.