SGEM#373: Going Ultrasound for Small Bowel Obstructions

Trials extracted from the podcast by Dr. Ken Milne

• 2022Point-of-care ultrasound-first for the evaluation of small bowel obstructionImaging & DiagnosticsIn ED patients with suspected small bowel obstruction, a POCUS-first strategy averted CT scans, cost and radiation compared with CT-first imaging.
• 2018Utilization of ultrasound for the evaluation of small bowel obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysisImaging & DiagnosticsIn 1178 patients with suspected small bowel obstruction, ultrasound was 92.4% sensitive and 96.6% specific against the reference standard.
• 2014Ultrasonography versus Computed Tomography for Suspected NephrolithiasisImaging & DiagnosticsIn 2759 ED patients with suspected nephrolithiasis, initial ultrasonography lowered radiation exposure versus initial CT, without more high-risk complications.