Bowel obstruction

Complaints and symptoms of bowel obstruction

Possible symptoms are:

• Cramps and recurring abdominal pain, sometimes also above the navel
• Vomiting
• Abdominal distension and a rigid abdomen
• Constipation (in case of complete bowel obstruction)
• Diarrhea (in case of partial blockage)

Diagnosis

The following tests may be required to form a diagnosis:

• An abdominal ultrasound to find a blockage in the small or large intestine.
• A CT scan of the abdomen is useful to determine whether there is a complete or partial blockage.

Bowel obstruction treatment

Usually, bowel obstructions are only temporary and eventually disappear automatically. Some cases, however, require a more comprehensive treatment. An operation is almost always needed when the intestines are completely blocked or when blood supply to the intestine is shut off.

Most bowel obstructions are treated in the hospital with liquids or air (enema) or small tubes (stents) removing the blockage. The medicine and fluids are inserted through a vein. A small tube is inserted into the stomach through the nose, removing fluids and relieving the pressure and pain.

Sometimes a colo-stoma or ileo-stoma is required after surgery.

When the blockage is caused by another, untreated condition like diverticulitis, the bowel obstruction might return.