OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pictorial essay is to review the different imaging techniques used for diagnosing small-bowel obstruction. CONCLUSION: Small-bowel obstruction is a common presentation, for which safe and effective management depends on a rapid and accurate diagnosis. Conventional radiographs remain the first line of imaging. CT is used increasingly more because it provides essential diagnostic information not apparent from radiographs. MRI may play a role in the future as technology improves and it becomes more readily available.