Laparoscopic treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction Background: Treatment options for adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) involve conservative and surgical management, traditionally through open adhesiolysis. Laparoscopic approach has been performed in recent years; however, limited data exist on its safety and results vary considerably. Our aim is to report our experience of laparoscopic treatment for ASBO. Methods: Retrospective study including patients admitted with the diagnosis of adhesive small bowel obstruction and that were submitted to laparoscopic exploration, between June 2003 and April 2013. We analyzed demographic, surgical variables and outcomes in terms of conversion rate, operative time, re-feeding time and length of stay. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Series of 38 patients submitted to laparoscopic exploration, mean age: 51 ± 16 years, 47% male. 53% had prior intra-abdominal surgeries. Laparoscopic resolution of bowel obstruction was possible in 31 patients (82%), with 7 conversions to open surgery. Median operative time was 60 (25-180) minutes, median re-feeding time was 24 (24-192) hours and median length of stay was 4 (2-52) days. Two patients required re-intervention during their hospital stay, one due to persistent bowel obstruction and one due to ischemic colitis. There were no other complications or mortality. Conclusions: Laparoscopy in adhesive small bowel obstruction was a feasible approach in this series, with good results when laparoscopic resolution is achieved. Patients with no prior surgeries seem to be good candidates for this approach.