Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

Written by Gao Tian

General Surgery

Updated on March 26, 2025

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The symptoms of intestinal obstruction generally manifest as abdominal pain, especially cunning types that can cause severe abdominal pain. Secondly, due to the blockage of the intestines by the obstruction, it can lead to vomiting of stomach acid, which is also greatly related to the location of the obstruction. Thirdly, there will be intestinal discomfort, which leads to some discomforts. Therefore, if the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to quickly visit the general surgery department to complete relevant examinations and intervene early based on the results to prevent further damage.

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Written by Gao Tian

General Surgery

52sec

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Causes of intestinal obstruction

The causes of intestinal obstruction include factors external to the intestine and those originating from the intestine itself. External factors are mainly adhesions and bands of adhesions that cause intussusception or volvulus, thereby leading to intestinal obstruction. Congenital adhesive bands are common in children. Adhesions resulting from abdominal surgery or intra-abdominal inflammatory lesions are the most common causes of adult intestinal obstruction, although a minority of patients may have no history of abdominal surgery or inflammation. Additionally, incarcerated external or internal hernias may also cause intestinal obstruction. Furthermore, tumors external to the intestine or abdominal compression can also lead to obstruction.

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Written by Li Jin Quan

General Surgery

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What is intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction refers to a blockage condition caused by various factors leading to intestinal obstruction, compression, and torsion, which prevents the normal passage of intestinal contents through the intestine. This is collectively referred to as intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction can be divided into three categories based on the cause: first, mechanical intestinal obstruction; second, dynamic intestinal obstruction; and third, vascular intestinal obstruction. The main clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction are abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and cessation of gas and feces from the anus. Clinically, intestinal obstruction can be treated conservatively or surgically.

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Written by Li Jin Quan

General Surgery

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Is intestinal obstruction serious?

When the contents of the intestine cannot be normally expelled through the intestinal tract, it is called intestinal obstruction. Its clinical manifestations mainly include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, cessation of defecation and flatulence from the anus. The treatment of intestinal obstruction mainly includes conservative treatment and surgical treatment, with the vast majority of patients receiving conservative treatment. This includes gastrointestinal decompression, abstinence from drinking and eating, enhanced anti-inflammatory therapy, and maintenance of electrolyte balance. Only a small portion of patients require surgical treatment. After treatment, the vast majority of patients with intestinal obstruction can recover normally, which means that intestinal obstruction is not a very serious illness.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

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How to diagnose intestinal obstruction?

How to diagnose intestinal obstruction, which is a common acute abdomen condition in surgery. If symptoms such as cessation of passing gas or stools, abdominal pain, and vomiting occur, it may suggest the presence of an intestinal obstruction. The simplest diagnostic method for intestinal obstruction is to perform an upright abdominal plain film to assess the degree of obstruction, based on the presence or absence of fluid levels. Furthermore, identifying the fundamental cause of the obstruction is essential; this can be achieved through enhanced abdominal CT and colonoscopy to make a determination. An abdominal ultrasound can also be performed, which provides a better understanding of the condition of the intestinal obstruction. Using abdominal ultrasound, the presence of effusion can be detected, and by aspirating the effusion, its properties can be analyzed to determine if there is a condition such as bowel necrosis.

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Written by Gao Tian

General Surgery

36sec

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Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

The symptoms of intestinal obstruction generally manifest as abdominal pain, especially cunning types that can cause severe abdominal pain. Secondly, due to the blockage of the intestines by the obstruction, it can lead to vomiting of stomach acid, which is also greatly related to the location of the obstruction. Thirdly, there will be intestinal discomfort, which leads to some discomforts. Therefore, if the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to quickly visit the general surgery department to complete relevant examinations and intervene early based on the results to prevent further damage.