Treatment of Bowel obstruction

Treatment of Bowel obstruction arises most commonly as a complication of ovarian or colon cancer. In one series 42% of patients with ovarian cancer developed obstruction. Primary presentation of colon cancer with obstruction is usually treated with surgical resection. This goal is best achieved by normalizing gut function proximal to the obstruction. What "misunderstanding" arises in bowel obstruction? Studies have demonstrated that with obstruction the balance is shifted strongly in favor of secretion. Increased secretion of fluid results in further intestinal dilatation, cramping, and frank nausea and vomiting. In one small study Huchison measured serotonin levels in women with ovarian cancer with and without bowel obstruction