Disease
Intestinal Obstruction
Overview of Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is a serious medical condition where the normal movement of contents through the intestines is blocked. This can be either partial or complete and may occur in the small intestine or large bowel. If left untreated a bowel obstruction can cause tissue death or life-threatening infections.
Types of Intestinal Obstruction
- Mechanical Obstruction: Caused by physical blockages like hernias, tumors or adhesions.
- Functional Obstruction (Ileus): No physical blockage, but the muscles or nerves in the intestinal wall fail to function properly.
- Partial Bowel Obstruction: Allows some gas or stool to pass but still restricts normal function.
- Complete Bowel Obstruction: No passage of contents at all.
- Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO): Affects the small intestine.
- Large Bowel Obstruction (LBO): Affects the colon or large intestine.
Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction
- Severe abdominal pain and cramping that comes and goes.
- Nausea and vomiting especially if the obstruction is in the small bowel.
- Inability to pass gas or stool (constipation).
- Swollen or bloated abdomen.
- Narrow stool or pencil-thin bowel movements.
- Gurgling sounds or absence of bowel sounds.
- Signs of bowel blockage may also include dizziness and weakness.
Causes of Intestinal Obstruction
- Post surgical adhesions (scar tissue).
- Hernias that trap parts of the bowel.
- Tumors inside the intestinal tract.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease.
- Twisting of the intestines (volvulus).
- Telescoping of one bowel segment into another (intussusception).
- Impacted stool in the elderly or dehydrated patients.
- Functional causes like ileus, especially after surgery or infection.
Complications in Intestinal Obstruction
- Bowel tissue death due to loss of blood flow.
- Severe infection or sepsis from bowel perforation.
- Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
- Permanent bowel damage or need for surgical removal.
- Recurrent episodes of intestinal obstruction.
- Malnutrition in chronic cases.
- Risk of multiple surgeries in untreated obstructions.
Risk Factors of Intestinal Obstruction
- Prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries.
- History of abdominal infections or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Elderly age, due to slower digestion and higher risk of ileus.
- Cancer in the abdomen or pelvis.
- Strangulated hernias.
- Long-term use of narcotics, which slow bowel movements.
- Chronic constipation or poor fiber intake.
Preventions of Intestinal Obstruction
- Stay physically active to support healthy bowel function.
- Eat a fiber-rich diet to avoid constipation.
- Stay hydrated to keep stool soft.
- Avoid unnecessary use of narcotic pain relievers.
- Follow-up care after abdominal surgeries.
- Treat underlying conditions like hernias or inflammatory bowel disease early.
Diagnosis of Intestinal Obstruction
- Physical examination to check for abdominal distention and tenderness.
- X-rays or CT scans to visualise the site and cause of obstruction.
- Ultrasound, especially useful in children and suspected intussusception.
- Blood tests to assess infection, dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
- Barium enema or contrast studies to detect blockage in the colon.
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy in selected cases.
Treatments of Intestinal Obstruction
- Hospital admission and monitoring in most cases.
- Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and imbalances.
- Nasogastric tube to relieve abdominal pressure and vomiting.
- Medications to reduce pain and manage nausea.
- Surgery in cases of complete obstruction, tissue death, tumors or volvulus.
- Non-surgical methods like enemas or colonoscopic decompression for partial obstructions.
- Treating underlying conditions like cancer, hernia or Crohn’s disease.
Prognosis of Intestinal Obstruction
- Most partial bowel obstructions improve with non-surgical treatment.
- Complete or recurrent obstructions may require surgery.
- Prognosis depends on age, cause, overall health, and response to treatment.
- Early diagnosis improves recovery and reduces complications.
- Delayed treatment increases the risk of long-term bowel damage or death.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Personalised care plans based on the cause and severity of intestinal obstruction.
- Expert consultation with top gastroenterologists and surgeons.
- Fast-track diagnosis using the latest imaging technology.
- Advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
- 24/7 support team for patients coming from abroad.
- Holistic recovery approach including diet counseling and aftercare.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- What is causing my bowel obstruction?
- Is this a partial or complete obstruction?
- Will I need surgery or can it be treated non-surgically?
- How long will recovery take?
- What dietary or lifestyle changes should I follow after treatment?
- Can this happen again in the future?
- What signs should I watch for if it returns?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear explanation of diagnosis and what it means.
- Discussion of all treatment options, including risks and benefits.
- Empathy and attentiveness to your concerns and pain levels.
- Guidance on what lifestyle or dietary changes to adopt.
- Timely communication of test results and next steps.
- Post-treatment follow-up plans and support services.