How is intestinal obstruction diagnosed?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on June 16, 2025
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First, we diagnose intestinal obstruction, on the one hand, based on the patient's typical symptoms, and then combined with corresponding examinations. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of gas and bowel movements, among which cessation of gas and bowel movements is very important. Some have a state of persistent diarrhea, but the corresponding examination suggests intestinal obstruction, which is not the intestinal obstruction we speak of in surgical terms. After typical manifestations appear, corresponding examinations can be conducted. Currently, the fastest examination for diagnosing intestinal obstruction is an abdominal X-ray. The patient takes an X-ray in a standing position, for example, multiple fluid-gas levels appear in the abdominal plain film, in addition to proximal bowel dilatation and distal bowel collapse, or a CT scan reveals tumorous lesions, which are very important for the examination of the cause of the obstruction.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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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 Zhang Peng
General Surgery
1min 1sec home-news-image

How is intestinal obstruction diagnosed?

First, we diagnose intestinal obstruction, on the one hand, based on the patient's typical symptoms, and then combined with corresponding examinations. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of gas and bowel movements, among which cessation of gas and bowel movements is very important. Some have a state of persistent diarrhea, but the corresponding examination suggests intestinal obstruction, which is not the intestinal obstruction we speak of in surgical terms. After typical manifestations appear, corresponding examinations can be conducted. Currently, the fastest examination for diagnosing intestinal obstruction is an abdominal X-ray. The patient takes an X-ray in a standing position, for example, multiple fluid-gas levels appear in the abdominal plain film, in addition to proximal bowel dilatation and distal bowel collapse, or a CT scan reveals tumorous lesions, which are very important for the examination of the cause of the obstruction.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Is intestinal obstruction dangerous?

Intestinal obstruction is a relatively dangerous and common emergency condition in general surgery. It is a disease caused by an obstruction to the passage of intestinal contents, categorized by its causes into mechanical intestinal obstruction, dynamic intestinal obstruction, and vascular intestinal obstruction, among which vascular intestinal obstruction is particularly dangerous. Based on blood circulation in the intestinal wall, it is divided into simple intestinal obstruction and strangulated intestinal obstruction, with strangulated intestinal obstruction being more dangerous as it can easily lead to ischemic necrosis of the intestines. According to the degree of obstruction, it is classified into partial intestinal obstruction and complete intestinal obstruction, with the latter being more dangerous. Intestinal obstruction, especially strangulated or vascular intestinal obstruction, can lead to obstructed blood circulation in the intestinal wall, resulting in ischemic necrosis and possibly perforation, making it a very dangerous condition.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Does intestinal obstruction cause fever?

It is possible, as the primary pathophysiological change in intestinal obstruction is the translocation of intestinal flora causing infection, which can lead to symptoms such as fever. Therefore, fever is also a factor in assessing the condition. If a patient has persistent high fever, they may even develop septic shock, which could necessitate surgical intervention such as exploratory laparotomy. Thus, fever is a common factor in intestinal obstruction, but it is not a mandatory one.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Enema method for intestinal obstruction

Enemas are an effective treatment measure in the management of intestinal obstruction. An enema involves a nurse using an enema bag to introduce about 500 milliliters of soapy water through a rounded-tip catheter into the rectum via the anus. Typically, the catheter is inserted about 30 centimeters deep. The purpose of injecting soapy water into the rectum is to stimulate intestinal peristalsis, leading to the expulsion of intestinal contents. During this process, it is important to avoid damage to the intestinal mucosa and consider the patient's tolerance. Generally, it is preferable to retain the soapy water for an extended period for better results.