ABSTRACT
There is a difference between a complete and partial bowel obstruction. A complete bowel obstruction occurs when the lumen at the site of obstruction is obliterated and there is no passage of air or enteric contents. There is complete collapse of the bowel distal to the obstruction. Partial bowel obstructions allow some, albeit restricted, passage of air and enteric contents. The distinction is important because complete bowel obstructions have an increased risk of strangulation and a lower rate of resolution with nonoperative management.
