Postoperative small bowel leak

Every month a question is posed to an acknowledged expert on a specific clinical topic; these questions deal with problematic situations encountered from time to time in surgical practice. Many situations cannot easily be addressed by 'evidence-based medicine' for a variety of reasons, for instance a relative infrequency of occurrence. The Editors are Keen to involve the readership in this exercise. If you have a 'dilemma' that can be expressed as a question (not more than 40 word;), please let us Know by contacting the BJS office. You may even have thoughts on a suitable 'expert'; again, let us Know. The most interesting problems will be followed zip in the coming months in the 'Clinical dilemma' section. In this issue of BJS the problem of leakage of intestinal content through a surgical wound some 5 days after operation for small bowel obstruction is considered. How should this situation be managed? Professor Moshe Schein of New York Methodist Hospital replies.