Intestinal obstruction is a serious medical condition that occurs when the passage of food or liquid through the intestine is blocked. It can affect the small or large intestine and requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications. The following is a guide to understanding its causes, symptoms and treatment options.
What Causes Intestinal Obstruction?
There are multiple factors that can trigger a bowel obstruction, among them:
- Abdominal adhesions:
○ Scar tissue that forms after previous abdominal surgery, narrowing or blocking the bowel. - Abdominal hernias:
○ Part of the intestine slips out of its normal place through an opening in the abdominal wall. - Intestinal Tumours:
○ They can block the passage of bowel contents. - Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
○ Diseases such as Crohn's disease can cause narrowing (stricture) of the bowel. - Volvulus or Intussusception:
○ The intestine becomes twisted or one section is pushed into another, interrupting the normal flow.
Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the obstruction, but the most common symptoms include:
Severe abdominal pain: Can be constant or intermittent.
Abdominal distention: Visible and palpable swelling of the abdomen.
● Vomiting: Especially when the small intestine is involved.
Absence of bowel movements or gas: Sign of complete obstruction.
● Nausea: Often accompanied by general malaise.
Loss of appetite: Inability to consume food.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the obstruction. The main options include:
- Conservative Management:
In mild or partial cases, bowel rest (fasting), intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and medication to relieve pain or nausea may be tried. - Nasogastric Tube Decompression:
○ A tube is inserted to remove fluid or gas build-up in the stomach and relieve pressure. - Emergency Surgery:
It is necessary in cases of complete obstruction, volvulus, intussusception or when there is tissue damage to the bowel. During surgery, the blocked or damaged part of the bowel is removed. - Specific Treatments:
In cases of tumours, surgery complemented by radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be considered.
If the obstruction is caused by an inflammatory disease, treatment will include long-term medical management.
Potential Complications
If not treated in time, a bowel obstruction can lead to serious complications, including:
● Intestinal ischaemia: Lack of blood flow to the intestine, causing tissue necrosis.
● Peritonitis: Inflammation of the abdominal lining due to intestinal perforation.
● Sepsis: Severe infection that can be life-threatening.
Prevention and When to Seek Medical Help
To prevent intestinal obstruction, it is important:
● Maintain a healthy weight and avoid hernias.
Follow recommendations after abdominal surgery to avoid adhesions.
● Control conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux or Crohn's disease.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or inability to pass stools.