Gastrointestinal obstruction in palliative care: a review

Abstract

Abstract Many symptoms are experienced by dying patients. Any symptom can be debilitating and affect the patient’s and the family’s quality of life. Symptom research is complicated, especially in patients receiving palliative care because the studies needed are methodologically challenging. Symptoms management is the essential goal in palliative care. Many people rate this as one of the most important issues whether they are at home, in a hospital or at other assisted care. Bowel obstruction is rarely an emergency, and usually evaluated by multidisciplinary teams. Tailored management is based on the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology. When several symptoms occur together, they can be interrelated and management can be complex. This article discusses the management of intestinal obstruction experienced by palliative care patients