Malignant bowel obstruction

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common problem for patients with advanced malignancy, especially colorectal and ovarian cancers. Symptoms include pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, and inability to eat. Treatment options consist of a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical interventions (medications, endoscopic, or interventional radiology approaches). Outcomes are variable no matter the strategy, and the optimal approach is often not clear. Greater research is needed to assist decision-making for clinicians treating patients with MBO.