Abstract
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) should be suspected in pediatric patients with a bowel obstruction in an emergency setting. Evidence-based surgical management with chemotherapy is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. ABSTRACT: CRC should be suspected in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency with unspecified abdominal pain. An erect X-ray abdomen and a colonoscopy should be initial diagnostic tests. If colonoscopy raises suspicion of CRC, a biopsy during colonoscopy is indicated. A computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis will also aid in diagnosis, staging, and planning intervention. In advanced cases, the intervention includes proximal diversion, bypass, and bowel resection with anastomosis. Sometimes postoperative chemotherapy may be required.