Intestinal Obstruction Treatment
Intestinal obstruction and Ileus: Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. If intestine is blocked, the contents of the intestine can not pass through it. The blockage can occur in the small or the large intestine. It can be partial or total blockage.
Large bowel obstruction
There is a blockage in the large intestine. It can be due to a scar tissue, a tumor or something else. It is a medical emergency condition wherein the risk of stool and gas build up and intestine rupturing is high.
Intestinal Obstruction Causes
Causes of obstruction of the bowel may be due to a mechanical cause, which means the blockage can be due to intestinal adhesions, twisting of the intestines, intussusception, tumors, stones, swallowed objects, and hernias.
Mechanical Blockage of Colon or Large Intestine
The blockage can be due to diverticulitis, volvulus and intussusception, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, adhesions from surgeries or pelvic infections; stool impaction, the narrowing of colon (stricture) due to inflammation or scarring.
Non-mechanical blockage (functional intestinal obstruction)
A temporary blockage is known as ileus (pseudo-obstruction). The causes include electrolyte imbalances, certain medicines, appendicitis or gastroenteritis and pelvic or abdominal surgery. The other causes may include diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and other nerve and muscle disorders that cause nerve injuries.
Paralyzed ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction, is one of the major causes of intestinal inhibition in babies and children.
Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction
The signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction may include abdominal lump(distention), abdominal wholeness, gas, abdominal pain, severe bloating and cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, inability to pass gas or stool, decreased appetite and abdominal swelling.
Bowel Obstruction Diagnosis
A gastroenterologist examines you by pushing on your abdomen and then listening to the sounds using a stethoscope. The doctor may order other tests such as blood tests – liver and kidney function test, blood counts, levels of electrolytes, CT scan and colonoscopy. The diagnosis is made based on the results of the tests, scanning reports and symptoms.
Intestinal Obstruction Treatment
Partial intestinal obstruction due to adhesions or scarring may need medical support to clear up. However, large bowel obstructions can be treated by a variety of treatment options including medications, IV fluid replacement, nasogastric tube and barium enema. Surgical intervention becomes pertinent in large bowel obstructions due to adhesions, tumors or hernia. In some surgical cases, a segment of the dead intestine is removed during surgery to treat the obstruction.
Treatment involves placing a tube through the nose into the stomach or intestine. This relieves abdominal bloating(bloating) and vomiting. Intestinal torsion can be treated by fitting a tube into the rectum. If catheterization doesn’t relieve symptoms surgery may be needed to clear the blockage. Surgery may also be necessary if there are signs of bowel tissue death.
Prevention
Prevention – Prevention depends on the cause. Treating conditions that can cause blockage, similar as excrescences and hernias, can reduce the threat. Certain blocking causes cannot be prevented.
Bottom Line
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Intestinal obstruction can become life-threatening and serious if ruptures. The condition leads to inflammation and infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). Severe abdominal pain and fever develops. It is a life-threatening emergency condition that requires emergency surgery. For intestinal obstruction treatment, meet Dr. Datta Ram U.