Premium
Pharmacologic Management of Malignant Bowel Obstruction: When Surgery Is Not an Option
Author(s) -
Hsu Kevin,
Prommer Eric,
Murphy Mary C,
LankaraniFard Azadeh
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of hospital medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.128
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1553-5606
pISSN - 1553-5592
DOI - 10.12788/jhm.3187
Subject(s) - medicine , bowel obstruction , modalities , intensive care medicine , large bowel obstruction , somatostatin , treatment modality , general surgery , surgery , social science , sociology
Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) complicates 3%‐15% of cancers and often necessitates inpatient admission. Hospitalists are increasingly involved in treating patients with MBO and coordinating their care across multiple subspecialties. Direct resolution of the obstruction via surgical or interventional means is always preferable. When such options are not possible, pharmacological treatments are the mainstay of therapy. Medications such as somatostatin analogs, steroids, H2‐blockers, and other modalities can be effective in palliation and possible resolution of obstruction. Awareness of these pharmacologic therapies can aid hospitalists in treating patients who are confronted with this devastating condition.