The ileum, which is the final section of the small intestine, can sometimes become obstructed. This condition is known as ileum bowel obstruction and can result in significant discomfort and potential complications if not addressed promptly.

There are several possible causes of ileum bowel obstruction, which can vary from congenital abnormalities to postoperative complications. Understanding these causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In this article, we will explore the ten possible causes of ileum bowel obstruction in detail.

Congenital malformations

Certain individuals may be born with structural abnormalities in their intestines, including the ileum. These congenital malformations can lead to bowel obstruction later in life.

Examples of such conditions include intestinal atresia, in which a segment of the ileum is missing or narrowed, and Meckel’s diverticulum, which is an outpouching of the ileum that can become obstructed or twisted.

Intestinal adhesions

Intestinal adhesions are a common cause of ileum bowel obstruction. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between structures in the abdomen, often as a result of previous surgeries, infections, or inflammatory conditions.

If these adhesions become dense or numerous, they can pinch or twist the ileum, resulting in a blockage.

Hernias

Hernias can occur when a portion of the intestine protrudes through a weak area in the abdominal wall. If a hernia involves the ileum, it can cause obstruction.

Examples of hernias that may lead to ileum bowel obstruction include inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, and incisional hernias.

Intussusception

Intussusception occurs when one section of the intestine telescopes into another section, causing a blockage. While it most commonly affects children, it can also occur in adults.

In adults, intussusception is often associated with conditions such as tumors or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or previous abdominal surgery.

Tumors

Tumors can develop within the ileum or adjacent structures and result in bowel obstruction. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Examples of tumors include adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Tumor-related obstruction may occur due to the physical blockage of the intestinal lumen or compression of the ileum.

Meconium ileus

Meconium ileus is a type of bowel obstruction that primarily affects newborns. It occurs due to the abnormally thick and sticky meconium (first stool) becoming impacted in the ileum, leading to blockage.

Meconium ileus is strongly associated with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the production of mucus.

Volvolus

Volvolus is a condition characterized by the twisting or torsion of the intestine on its mesentery, leading to bowel obstruction. This twisting can occur at various points along the small intestine, including the ileum.

It is often caused by an abnormally mobile or elongated mesentery or by conditions that result in abnormal intestinal motility, such as chronic constipation or certain connective tissue disorders.

Foreign bodies

Ingestion or accidental placement of foreign bodies into the digestive tract can also result in ileum bowel obstruction.

These foreign bodies can include food boluses that are too large to pass through the ileum, swallowed objects such as dental appliances or coins, or bezoars – concretions of undigested material, such as hair or plant material.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause inflammation and ulceration in the intestines, potentially leading to ileum bowel obstruction.

In Crohn’s disease, the inflammation typically affects the terminal ileum, which is the last section of the small intestine, and can cause strictures or narrowing. In ulcerative colitis, while the inflammation primarily involves the colon, it can extend into the ileum in some cases, leading to obstruction.

Strictures or scarring

Infections, previous surgeries, or inflammatory conditions can cause strictures or scarring in the ileum, resulting in bowel obstruction.

These strictures may gradually develop over time, causing partial obstruction initially, which can progress to complete obstruction if left untreated.