The role of laparoscopy in bowel obstruction: A retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital

Bowel obstruction remains a common surgical emergency with a variety of underlying causes. Traditionally, open surgery has been the standard approach for managing this condition, but the introduction of laparoscopic techniques has provided a minimally invasive alternative with potential benefits, such as reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. This study presents a retrospective analysis of 26 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for bowel obstruction between January 2022 and October 2023 at Nepal Mediciti Hospital. Patient demographics, operative details, clinical outcomes, and challenges encountered are discussed. A subset of cases required conversion to open surgery, and factors influencing the decision to proceed with laparoscopy are explored. The findings suggest that laparoscopy is a safe and effective option for managing bowel obstruction when appropriately indicated.