Gastrointestinal surgery mnemonic

Common causes of intestinal obstruction in adults

The mnemonic

Adhesions, hernias, neoplasms

What each word stands for

  • AdhesionsCommonest cause of small bowel obstruction in adults with prior surgery
  • HerniasSecond commonest in many series
  • NeoplasmsCommonest cause of large bowel obstruction
  • VolvulusSigmoid volvulus in elderly patients

Why it matters clinically

Directs the likely cause and the need for a CT scan.

Where it stops being reliable

The ranking varies by region and age; in children intussusception is a major cause.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Gastrointestinal surgery mnemonic?

Adhesions, hernias, neoplasms. It helps you recall: Common causes of intestinal obstruction in adults.

What does "Adhesions" stand for?

Commonest cause of small bowel obstruction in adults with prior surgery

What does "Hernias" stand for?

Second commonest in many series

What does "Neoplasms" stand for?

Commonest cause of large bowel obstruction

What are all the parts of the Adhesions, hernias, neoplasms mnemonic?

Adhesions: Commonest cause of small bowel obstruction in adults with prior surgery; Hernias: Second commonest in many series; Neoplasms: Commonest cause of large bowel obstruction; Volvulus: Sigmoid volvulus in elderly patients.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Gastrointestinal surgery in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

The ranking varies by region and age; in children intussusception is a major cause.

How is this useful clinically?

Directs the likely cause and the need for a CT scan.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Gastrointestinal surgery.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.