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Intestinal Obstruction

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Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal Obstruction

Last updated: 15 January 2025

Category: diseases

Understanding Intestinal Obstruction:

Intestinal obstruction may be classified as mechanical or functional. Mechanical obstruction occurs due to narrowing or occlusion of the intestine, leading to the accumulation of air and fluid in the bowel. On the other hand, functional obstruction involves impaired bowel motility without a physical blockage, often observed post-surgeries as ‘paralytic ileus’.

The location, degree of narrowing, and underlying cause influence the presentation. Acute obstruction presents with more severe symptoms, while chronic obstruction may manifest with persistent low-grade symptoms.

Mechanical obstruction causes include intraluminal factors (e.g., neoplasms, foreign bodies), intramural factors (e.g., strictures, cancer, IBD), and extrinsic factors (e.g., adhesions, hernia, abscess).

Symptoms:

Intestinal Obstruction may manifest with various symptoms, including:

  • Severe abdominal pain and cramping.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Constipation or inability to pass gas.
  • Abdominal swelling or bloating.

How Bangalore Gastro Centre Can Help:

Prompt Diagnosis and Intervention:

We employ state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to accurately identify the underlying cause of Intestinal Obstruction.

Tailored Treatment Plans:

Our gastroenterologists design personalized treatment strategies tailored to your specific condition and health needs.

Compassionate Care and Support:

We understand the challenges posed by Intestinal Obstruction and offer compassionate support to help you navigate through your treatment journey.

Results:

Early intervention is key to managing Intestinal Obstruction effectively and minimizing complications. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Potential Complications:

Untreated Intestinal Obstruction can lead to severe complications such as bowel perforation, infection, and tissue damage. Prompt medical attention is essential to avoid these risks.

Prevention:

While some causes of Intestinal Obstruction may not be preventable, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding risky behaviors, and seeking prompt medical care for any abdominal symptoms can help reduce the risk.

Meet Our Expert Gastroenterologists:

Our team of experienced gastroenterologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Intestinal Obstruction, ensuring that you receive individualized care tailored to your needs.

Contact Information:

For appointments and inquiries, please contact us:

  • Tel: 080-4688-8888
  • Email: info@bangaloregastrocentre.com
  • Visit our website www.bangaloregastrocentre.com for more information and to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this treatment and condition.

What are the symptoms of intestinal obstruction?

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Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that comes in waves (cramping), bloating and abdominal distension, inability to pass gas or have bowel movements, nausea and vomiting (which may become fecal-smelling in severe cases), loss of appetite, and dehydration. Complete obstruction is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, while partial obstruction may develop more gradually but still requires prompt medical evaluation. The location of obstruction affects symptom presentation and severity.

How is intestinal obstruction treated?

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Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of obstruction. Initial management includes IV fluids for dehydration, electrolyte correction, nasogastric tube decompression to relieve pressure and vomiting, and pain management. Some partial obstructions resolve with conservative treatment, while complete obstructions typically require surgical intervention to remove the blockage. Emergency surgery may be needed for complications like perforation, strangulation, or ischemia. The surgical approach depends on the underlying cause.

What causes intestinal obstruction?

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Common causes include adhesions from previous surgery (most common cause of small bowel obstruction), hernias (inguinal, umbilical, incisional), tumors (both benign and malignant), inflammatory bowel disease causing strictures, volvulus (twisting of intestine), intussusception (intestine telescoping into itself), gallstone ileus, and foreign body ingestion. Large bowel obstruction is commonly caused by colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or volvulus. The cause often determines the treatment approach.

How is intestinal obstruction diagnosed?

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Diagnosis involves detailed medical history and physical examination, blood tests to check for infection and electrolyte imbalances, X-rays showing dilated bowel loops and air-fluid levels, CT scan for detailed imaging and to identify the cause and location of obstruction, and sometimes contrast studies. CT scan is the most useful imaging study, providing information about obstruction location, severity, and potential complications like strangulation or perforation.

What is the difference between small and large bowel obstruction?

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Small bowel obstruction typically causes crampy abdominal pain, early vomiting, less abdominal distension, and is commonly caused by adhesions or hernias. Large bowel obstruction causes more gradual onset, significant abdominal distension, late or no vomiting, and is often caused by tumors, diverticulitis, or volvulus. Small bowel obstruction may respond to conservative treatment, while large bowel obstruction more commonly requires surgical intervention. The location affects symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment approach.

When is surgery needed for intestinal obstruction?

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Surgery is needed for complete obstruction that doesn't resolve with conservative treatment within 24-48 hours, signs of strangulation or bowel ischemia (fever, severe pain, elevated white blood cell count), perforation or peritonitis, recurrent obstructions, or when imaging suggests a mechanical cause requiring surgical correction like tumors or hernias. Emergency surgery is performed for complications like perforation or strangulated bowel. The timing of surgery is crucial to prevent serious complications.

Can intestinal obstruction be prevented?

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While not all obstructions can be prevented, risk reduction strategies include early repair of hernias before they become incarcerated, prompt treatment of inflammatory bowel disease to prevent strictures, regular cancer screening to detect tumors early, maintaining healthy weight to reduce hernia risk, and seeking medical attention for persistent abdominal symptoms. Patients with previous abdominal surgery should be aware of adhesion risk and seek prompt care for obstruction symptoms.

What are the complications of untreated intestinal obstruction?

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Serious complications include bowel strangulation leading to tissue death, perforation causing peritonitis and sepsis, severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, aspiration pneumonia from vomiting, and in severe cases, shock and death. Strangulated bowel requires emergency surgery to prevent gangrene and perforation. The longer obstruction persists, the higher the risk of complications. This is why intestinal obstruction is considered a surgical emergency requiring prompt medical attention.

What is the recovery process after surgery for intestinal obstruction?

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Recovery varies based on the type of surgery and underlying cause. Hospital stay is typically 3-7 days, during which bowel function gradually returns. Diet progression starts with clear liquids, advancing to regular foods as tolerated. Nasogastric tube is removed when bowel sounds return and there's no nausea or vomiting. Pain management, early mobilization, and monitoring for complications are important. Full recovery may take 2-6 weeks depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing.

How can I recognize recurrent intestinal obstruction?

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Recurrent obstruction symptoms include return of crampy abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool. Patients with history of obstruction should seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms. Risk factors for recurrence include extensive adhesions, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain types of hernias. Early recognition and treatment can prevent complications. Patients should maintain a relationship with their surgeon and have a clear action plan for emergency situations.

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