Bowel Obstruction Information

A bowel obstruction is a partial or complete blockage in the intestines that prevents gas, fluids, or solids from moving through the intestines normally. Obstructions can also occur because of inflammation or infection or as a side effect of certain medicines. In the small intestine, obstructions are most often caused by scar tissue (adhesions). Other causes include hernias, Crohn's disease, and cancer. In the large intestine, obstructions are most often caused by cancer. Other causes are severe constipation from a hard mass of stool and twisting or narrowing of the intestine that may occur because of diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms of bowel obstruction include abdominal swelling ,constipation ,severe abdominal cramps ,intermittent abdominal cramps and vomiting. In small bowel obstruction the pain tends to be colicky (cramping and intermittent) in nature, with spasms lasting a few minutes. The pain tends to be central and mid-abdominal. Vomiting occurs before constipation. In large bowel obstruction the pain is felt lower in the abdomen and the spasms last longer. Constipation occurs earlier and vomiting may be less prominent. Treatment for a small bowel obstruction is both non-surgical (conservative) and surgical. Conservative treatment involves insertion of a nasogastric tube, correction of dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Opioid pain relievers may be used for patients with severe pain.

Antiemetics may be administered if the patient is vomiting. Adhesive obstructions often settle without surgery. If obstruction is complete a surgery is required. Using enemas of air, barium, or a product such as Gastrografin usually can clear an obstruction that occurs when one part of the intestine folds like a telescope into another part. Stents in the large or small intestine to help intestinal contents move forward. Surgery is almost always needed for a complete obstruction of the small or large intestine or when the blood supply is cut off. Sometimes possible to use a drug called Octreotide to help control symptoms of a blocked bowel. Octreotide works by reducing the amount of fluid that builds up in your stomach and digestive system. It can help to control sickness.

Bowel Obstruction Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Surgery is almost always needed for a complete obstruction of the small.

2. Antiemetics may be administered if the patient is vomiting.

3. Use octreotide to help control symptoms of a blocked bowel.

4. Using enemas of air, barium, or a product such as Gastrografin usually can clear an obstruction.

5. Expandable metal tubes called stents in the large or small intestine to help intestinal contents move forward.