The most common cause of small bowel obstruction in adults in developed countries is:

• A Hernia (external)
• B Crohn's disease stricture
• C Intussusception
• D Postoperative adhesions ✓

Explanation

Postoperative adhesions are responsible for approximately 60–70% of all small bowel obstruction in adults in developed countries, making them by far the most common cause. Previous peritonitis, pelvic surgery, and right hemicolectomy carry the highest adhesion formation risk. External hernias are the second most common cause overall and the leading cause in patients without prior surgery. Crohn's disease and malignancy are less common causes. Management of adhesive SBO is initially conservative (nasogastric decompression, IV fluids) unless there are signs of strangulation.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.