computed tomography [CT] with or without use of contrast mate­rial), endoscopic techniques (e.g., sigmoidoscopy and full colonos­copy), or angiography should follow (Fig. 81-1). Such diagnostic techniques may be used in conjunction with treatment modalities in an eort to further stabilize the patient and control sepsis so there is time to optimize nutrition and correct anemia, coagulopathy, and electrolyte imbalances. When such “bridging techniques” are used, a denitive surgical procedure in an appropriately prepared bowel on an elective basis with a more favorable outcome may then be possible. Procedures performed electively in such a manner oen result in the resection of signicantly less bowel when compared with the same procedures performed as an emergency. One example is CT-guided percutaneous drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess from diver­ticulitis or CD, which frequently can be followed by the subsequent performance of a single-stage resection. Similarly, a colonoscopy or a Gastrogran enema can be therapeutic when acute obstruction is caused by a volvulus and diagnostic when caused by a malignancy or severe stricturing CD. In many cases, the obstruction can be relieved by either a colonoscopically placed stent or a “trephine” stoma cre­ated proximal to the obstruction in less than an hour, without lapa­rotomy or even laparoscopy, aer induction of light general or spinal anesthesia. When the obstruction is due to a distal colorectal cancer, chemotherapy or chemoradiation may then be considered, reduc­ing tumor size for later denitive resection. In cases of CD strictures without an abscess, high-dose intravenous steroids may relieve the obstruction, allowing time for nutritional optimization prior to a more denitive future procedure.