Causes of intestinal obstruction

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on October 27, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can you fart with intestinal obstruction?

When the contents of the intestines cannot normally pass through the intestinal tract and be expelled from the body, it is called intestinal obstruction. The main clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and the cessation of bowel movements and gas passage through the anus. Clinically, some cases of partial intestinal obstruction can still pass gas, and some cases of high intestinal obstruction may also allow gas accumulation below the blockage to be expelled through the anus. However, the ability to pass gas does not mean that the patient's condition has improved; continuous treatment and observation are still necessary.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How is intestinal obstruction treated?

The treatment methods for intestinal obstruction can be divided into non-surgical and surgical treatments in clinical practice. In our clinic, most cases of intestinal obstruction, such as adhesive obstruction or parasitic obstruction, can be alleviated through gastrointestinal decompression, enemas, and rapid expulsion of gas and stools, achieving the therapeutic goal. However, a small portion of intestinal obstructions do not respond to non-surgical treatments, and vital signs cannot be maintained; such cases require active surgical intervention.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Intestinal Obstruction Nursing Measures

Intestinal obstruction is primarily a disease that requires treatment, which involves fasting from water, gastrointestinal decompression, anti-inflammation treatments, enemas, and sometimes the auxiliary use of traditional Chinese medicine. The nursing measures for this condition build upon these treatments and involve further management of daily activities. Generally, patients with intestinal obstruction must be cautious with their diet to avoid overeating or consuming foods that are hard to digest or that could potentially form obstructions. Secondly, it is important to manage and ensure that patients avoid vigorous exercise, as such activity can lead to the recurrence of intestinal obstruction, especially if there are adhesions within the abdominal cavity.

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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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Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

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.