- Causes: Intestinal obstruction can be caused by mechanical factors such as adhesions, hernias, tumors, or strictures, or functional factors like ileus or pseudo-obstruction.
- Presentation: Symptoms include cramping pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, constipation, and lack of passage of gas or stool.
- Investigation: Diagnosis often involves imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize the obstruction. Blood tests may be done to assess for signs of infection or electrolyte imbalances.
- Diagnosis: A combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests helps in diagnosing intestinal obstruction. Imaging studies can reveal the location and severity of the obstruction, while blood tests may show signs of dehydration or infection.
- Treatment: Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the obstruction. It often involves supportive measures such as fluid resuscitation, bowel decompression, and correction of electrolyte imbalances. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the obstruction.
Intestinal blockage also called intestinal obstruction occurs when passage of food through the small intestine or the large intestine (colon) is blocked. Intestinal blockages if not detected early and treated can cause fatalities. The blocked part of the intestine will deteriorate leading to problems. Hernias, tumors, abdominal adhesions after a surgery and infected pouches in the intestine are some of the common causes of intestinal blockages.
The obstruction can be complete or partial. Partial blockage where part of the intestine is blocked is called mechanical obstructions. When there is complete blockage and the intestine fails to work properly it is called paralytic ileus.
What Causes Intestinal Blockage?
- Crohn’s disease
- Strangulated hernia
- Colon cancer
- Adhesions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Gallstones
- Intussuception
- Volvulus
- Ingestion of foreign objects
Mechanical obstruction
- Colon cancer
- Volvulus
- Impacted feces
- Diverticulitis
- Narrowing of colon
Paralytic ileus
- Pelvic surgery
- Infection
- Abdominal surgery
- Antidepressant and pain medications
Intestinal Blockage Symptoms
- Distention
- Inability to pass gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps on and off
Intestinal Blockage Diagnosis
Physical Exam
To check the abdomen for bloating and tenderness and hernias in the abdomen.
Abdominal x-rays
Radiological findings will show centrally located loops of the intestine, collapsed colon, multiple air fluid levels and a dilated small bowel.
Blood tests
At first the blood tests may be normal. But later the tests show electrolyte imbalances.
Barium enema
A white powder, barium sulfate is inserted through the rectum and images of the intestinal area are taken. Barium is a contrast material showing any obstruction on the image.
CT scan
Non-contrast CT scan is done if suspicion of obstruction is high and to detect peritoneal fluids.
Fluid Charts
A nasogastric tube is passed for detection of oliguria.
Treatment For Intestinal Blockage
Most intestinal obstructions are sub-acute and settle down without an operation. Sometimes surgical treatment is required to correct the obstruction.