Intestinal obstruction refers to a partial or complete blockage of the bowel or intestinal tract. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

The obstruction can occur in the small intestine or large intestine and can be due to various reasons such as tumors, hernias, twisting of the bowel, or impacted feces. In this article, we will discuss the causes and treatment of intestinal obstruction in detail.

Causes of Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction can occur due to various reasons. The most common causes are:.

1. Adhesions

Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between tissues and organs in the abdomen after surgery or infections. These adhesions can cause the intestine to become twisted or blocked, leading to intestinal obstruction.

2. Hernias

Hernias occur when a part of the intestine protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. This can cause the intestine to become trapped and lead to a blockage.

3. Tumors

Tumors can grow in the intestine or nearby organs and cause a blockage. These tumors can be benign or malignant.

4. Impacted feces

Constipation can cause the stool to become hard and impacted, leading to a blockage in the intestine.

5. Intussusception

Intussusception is a condition in which one part of the intestine telescopes into another part of the intestine. This can cause a blockage and lead to intestinal obstruction.

6. Volvulus

Volvulus is a condition in which the intestine twists on itself, causing a blockage. This condition is more common in the sigmoid colon or cecum.

Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction

The symptoms of intestinal obstruction may vary depending on the location and severity of the obstruction. The most common symptoms include:.

1. Abdominal pain and cramping

Severe, cramping abdominal pain is the most common symptom of intestinal obstruction. The pain may be intermittent or continuous and may be accompanied by bloating and vomiting.

2. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can occur due to the buildup of food and fluids in the intestine. The vomit may be green or yellow in color and may contain bile.

3. Diarrhea or constipation

Intestinal obstruction can cause diarrhea or constipation, depending on the location of the blockage. If the blockage is in the small intestine, diarrhea may occur due to the rapid movement of fluid through the intestine.

If the blockage is in the large intestine, constipation may occur as the stool cannot pass through the obstruction.

4. Abdominal distension

The buildup of gas and fluid in the intestine can cause abdominal distension or swelling. This can be seen as a large bulge in the abdomen.

5. Inability to pass gas or stool

Patient’s may experience an inability to pass gas or stool due to the blockage in the intestine.

Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. The treatment may involve conservative management or surgical intervention.

1. Conservative Management

Conservative management involves supportive care and the use of non-surgical interventions. The goal of conservative management is to relieve the blockage and prevent further complications. The treatment options include:.

a. Bowel Rest

Bowel rest involves the patient refraining from taking any food or drink by mouth. This allows the intestine to rest and prevent further irritation.

b. Intravenous Fluids

Intravenous fluids are given to replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea. This helps to prevent dehydration and maintain normal body function.

c. Nasogastric Tube

A nasogastric tube is a tube passed through the nose and into the stomach. It helps to relieve the pressure and bloating in the intestine by removing gas and fluid from the stomach and intestine.

2. Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention is required in cases where conservative management fails or in cases of complete bowel obstruction. The goal of surgery is to remove the obstruction and restore normal bowel function. The surgical options include:.

a. Small Bowel Resection

Small bowel resection involves removing the affected part of the small intestine and reattaching the healthy parts. This is done in cases of small intestine obstruction due to tumors, adhesions, or intussusception.

b. Colostomy

Colostomy involves creating an opening in the abdominal wall and attaching the large intestine to the opening. This allows the feces to bypass the obstruction and exit through the opening.

This is done in cases of large intestine obstruction due to tumors or volvulus.

c. Lysis of Adhesions

Lysis of adhesions involves removing or cutting the scar tissue that is causing the obstruction. This is done in cases of intestinal obstruction due to adhesions.

Conclusion

Intestinal obstruction is a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment. The causes of intestinal obstruction include adhesions, hernias, tumors, impacted feces, intussusception, and volvulus.

The symptoms of intestinal obstruction include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal distension, and an inability to pass gas or stool. The treatment of intestinal obstruction may involve conservative management or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the obstruction.