Emergency Presentation of Small Bowel Tumours

Small bowel tumours are rare, consisting of a wide variety of histological subtypes with diverse patterns of emergency presentation. An understanding of the common tumour subsets guides initial management and workup and aids in performing the most appropriate operation when presented with acute emergency cases. When faced with patients requiring urgent or immediate surgical intervention, understanding that disease often presents late with metastases or locoregionally advanced disease can guide preoperative and intraoperative decision-making. Non-operative treatments for small bowel tumours, notably gastrointestinal stromal tumours, neuroendocrine tumours, and lymphoma, are increasing the importance of preoperative tissue diagnosis through advanced endoscopic techniques. However, in the emergency setting, definitive early surgery will reduce the progression of simple to complicated small bowel obstruction, with perforation and ischaemia. Use of wound bundle and optimising laparotomy closure are key to optimal outcomes. Post-operative management of small bowel cancer is a complex and evolving field with multiple promising advancements.