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StatPearls, LLC

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Dehydration
  • Ileus
  • Intestinal Volvulus
  • Ischemia

Large Bowel Obstruction

Large bowel obstruction is a critical condition often necessitating emergency intervention due to the risk of sepsis, dehydration, and hemodynamic instability. The etiologies of large bowel obstruction can be structural, such as from tumors, hernias, or volvulus, or functional, such as pseudo-obstruction. Patients with a competent ileocecal valve may experience closed-loop obstructions, leading to severe distension and pain, and are at higher risk for perforation. The obstruction frequently presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, and a lack of bowel movements, but symptoms vary based on the cause and site of the blockage. Imaging studies are vital for diagnosing large bowel obstruction, distinguishing between mechanical causes, ileus, and pseudo-obstructions, and identifying any associated ischemia or necrosis. Management primarily involves bowel resuscitation and decompression; prompt intervention is essential to reduce morbidity, prevent ischemia, and manage complications such as perforation. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in recognizing large bowel obstruction, performing the recommended evaluation, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional management approach to improve patient outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 2 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 2 creditsNursingUp to 2 creditsPharmacyUp to 2 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 2 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 2 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 2 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 2 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 2 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 2 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 2 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 2 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 2 credits
  • MOC · Up to 2 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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