Final answer:
The number one cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) is adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that develop after abdominal surgery and can block the intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) is generally considered to be adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that form after abdominal surgery. These adhesions can cause the small intestine to become twisted or kinked, obstructing the flow of contents through the bowel. Other common causes include hernias, where a portion of the intestine protrudes through a weak area in the abdominal wall, and neoplasms or tumors that can grow and compress the intestine from inside or outside.