Bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction, also known as ileus, is a blockage in the intestines that interferes with the normal passage of bowel movement. This blockage can occur in either the small or large intestine and requires prompt medical attention.
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Symptoms
The following symptoms may indicate intestinal obstruction:
- Severe abdominal pain and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloated abdomen
- No or little stool and flatulence
Cause
A bowel obstruction can be caused by:
- Scarring or adhesions after previous surgery
- Intestinal disorders such as a tumor or diverticulitis
- Swallowed objects or hard pieces of stool
- In children, one part of the bowel may slide into another part
Treatment
Treatment for intestinal obstruction depends on the cause and severity of the blockage.
You will be given a gavage, a tube through the nose, to remove excess fluid and air from the stomach and intestines. Medication may help relieve pain and nausea. You will be given fluids through an IV to prevent dehydration.
The surgery
If the blockage is severe or cannot be resolved with the above treatments, surgery is required.
During surgery, the part of the intestine that is affected is removed. A new passage is created through a bypass. In some cases, you may be given a temporary or permanent stoma to restore bowel function.
Departments
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