malignant bowel obstruction
Intestinal blockage caused by primary gastrointestinal tumors or peritoneal metastases in advanced cancer patients.
Full Definition
Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) occurs when intestinal flow is impeded by tumor-related factors in patients with advanced malignancies. This can result from primary gastrointestinal tumors causing mechanical blockage, external compression from peritoneal metastases, or functional obstruction from tumor infiltration of the bowel wall or mesentery. MBO presents significant management challenges as surgical intervention may not be feasible in many patients with advanced disease, leading to emphasis on symptom management and quality of life considerations rather than curative approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as MBO; requires distinction from benign causes of obstruction.
In Context
- "The patient developed malignant bowel obstruction secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer." — Oncology consultation
- "Conservative management of malignant bowel obstruction was pursued given the patient's poor performance status." — Palliative care note