Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on November 24, 2024
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For symptoms of intestinal obstruction, the typical manifestations are abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of passing gas or stool. Most people may experience several of these symptoms; however, the severity of the symptoms depends on the location and condition of the obstruction. Once symptoms of intestinal obstruction occur, it is necessary to refrain from eating and then carry out appropriate examinations. Identifying the cause of the obstruction is crucial. If the obstruction is caused by tumor-related factors, surgical treatment should be considered based on a comprehensive assessment. If the obstruction is due to adhesions, conservative treatment methods should be adopted where possible.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Methods for examining intestinal obstruction

The simplest test for intestinal obstruction is an upright abdominal X-ray, which can diagnose intestinal obstruction if dilated bowel loops and fluid levels are seen. Diagnosis can also be based on the patient's history and physical signs, such as nausea, vomiting, cessation of passing gas or stool, etc. Currently, abdominal CT can also diagnose intestinal obstruction, with the simplest method being the upright abdominal X-ray. Different types of intestinal obstruction require different treatments. For obstructions caused by tumors or volvulus, prompt surgical treatment is necessary. For general intestinal obstructions, such as those caused by adhesions or intestinal dysmotility, the preferred treatment includes fasting, hydration, anti-inflammatory medications, and other supportive measures. For elderly patients with obstipation-induced obstruction, enema treatment can be initiated first.

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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 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 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
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Causes of intestinal obstruction

Generally, the basic causes of intestinal obstruction can be divided into three categories. The most common is mechanical intestinal obstruction, which mainly includes blockage of the intestinal lumen, such as large fecal masses or corresponding foreign objects, and even parasites. The second type is compression of the intestinal tube, which can be caused by adhesions leading to torsion of the intestine or compression by tumors, and congenital inflammatory strictures and tumors can cause mechanical intestinal obstruction. The second major category is dynamic intestinal obstruction, which is primarily due to weakened peristaltic ability of the intestine, resulting in paralytic intestinal obstruction. This condition can be improved by adjusting intestinal function disorders or treating intestinal spasms. The third type is intestinal obstruction caused by vascular issues in the intestines, most commonly thrombosis of the mesentery or compression causing vascular disorders of the intestines.