Value of water-soluble contrast (meglumine amidotrizoate) in the diagnosis and management of small bowel obstruction.

Introduction: The object of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a water-soluble contrast follow-through study for differentiating complete from incomplete small bowel obstruction (SBO) and for predicting the need for surgery.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Riyadh Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia and spanned 2 years. All adult patients admitted with SBO were included, except those with obstructed hernias, peritonitis, or postabdominal irradiation.