Intestinal Obstruction

A blockage in the intestine that prevents food or liquid from moving is known as intestinal obstruction. Common reasons for this obstruction include inflammation, infected sacs in the intestine, hernias and colon cancer, and the development of fibrous bands of tissues in the abdomen after ostomy or intestinal surgery.

Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction may include the following.

• Pain due to abdominal cramping
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Inability to pass stools and gas
• Abdominal swelling

Intestinal obstruction can result in serious health complications. That’s why it is crucial to see your doctor immediately when you experience severe abdominal pain or notice other symptoms that indicate the possibility of intestinal obstruction.

Causes of intestinal obstruction

The common reasons for intestinal obstruction in adults may include the following.

• Intestinal adhesions – a condition referring to the development of fibrous bands in the abdominal cavity after abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Cancer in the colon

Intestinal obstruction can also occur in children. The most common reasons include the following.

• Hernias – intestinal portions protruding into another part of the body.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease
• Diverticulitis – a condition referring to the development and inflammation of small sacs in the intestinal tract
• Twisting of the large intestine
• Impacted feces

Pseudo-obstruction

Pseudo-obstruction is a condition that results in similar signs and symptoms that of conventional intestinal obstruction. It, however, is not a physical blockage. This condition is also known as paralytic ileum. This problem refers to the disruption in the nerves or muscles of the intestine. It can result in the slowing or stoppage of the movement of intestinal wastes.

Paralytic ileus can occur in any part of the digestive tract. Its causes may include the following.

• Pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Infection
• Medications that affect the function of nerves in the intestinal tract
• Disorders in the muscles or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease

Risk factors

Diseases and conditions that heighten the risk of intestinal obstruction may include the following.

• Abdominal or pelvic surgery, resulting in intestinal adhesions
• Crohn’s disease, which can narrow the passageway by thickening the intestinal walls
• Abdominal cancer or the effects of cancer treatment

Complications

Intestinal obstruction, if left untreated, can result in severe and even life-threatening complications. Those complications include the following.

• A complication related to the intestinal obstruction is tissue death. This problem occurs as a result of the bowel obstruction cutting off the blood flow to a part of the intestine. This lack of blood supply can result in the death of the intestinal wall. This condition can further lead to perforation in the intestinal wall.
• Infection is another complication that can occur as a result of intestinal obstruction. The aforementioned complication can lead to an infection in the abdomen, resulting in the patient requiring an immediate medical or surgical intervention.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and its resultant complications may involve several tests and physical exams. The diagnostic procedure could include a physical exam, x-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, and air or barium enema.

Your doctor may have to hospitalize you to stabilize your condition. In many cases, administering the medication through an IV line into a vein may help a patient find long-term relief. Typically, patients with partial obstruction do not need any further treatment after getting stabilized.

Severe cases of obstruction may, however, need surgical intervention or other aggressive forms of treatment. You can discuss all options with your doctor or surgeon.