Does a normal AXR rule out bowel obstruction

Date First Published:

December 5, 2012

Last Updated:

December 5, 2012

Report by:

Adam Bull, Foundation Year 2 (Stepping Hill Hospital)

Search checked by:

Peter Hulme, Stepping Hill Hospital

Three-Part Question:

In [patients presenting with symptoms of obstruction (vomiting, bowels not open, abdominal pain and distension] does an [xray without gross bowel dilatation] rule out [bowel obstruction]