Table 1.

Topics discussed with surgeons during interviews about management of small bowel obstruction (SBO)

Topic	Description
Prior training	Surgeons described how they were originally taught to manage SBO
Routine workup of SBO	Surgeons described their typical approach in reaching a diagnosis of SBO
Use of imaging	Surgeons described what type of imaging they order (plain film or axial imaging) when working up patients with suspected SBO and whether they use enteral contrast studies (e.g. Gastrografin®)
Preoperative management	Surgeons described their approach to initial management of SBO including use of IV fluids, choice of inpatient service, and use of serial abdominal exams
Use of nasogastric decompression	Surgeons were asked about their preference routine use of nasogastric decompression
Duration of non-operative management	Surgeons were asked, based upon a standardized case (Table 2), how long they would manage a patient non-operatively prior to proceeding to the operating room for exploration
Preferred surgical approach	Surgeons described their preferred surgical approach to SBO (i.e. laparoscopic vs. open)
Standards of care	Surgeons were asked their opinion about whether there is a standard of care for management of SBO
Evidence gaps	Surgeons were asked to identify areas where evidence is lacking to support evidence-based practice in SBO
Research priorities	Surgeons highlighted priorities for future research in the management of SBO