Symptoms
Causes
Prevention
Complications
What is the most common cause of intestinal obstructions?
The most common causes of obstruction are adhesions, hernias, and tumors; a small-bowel obstruction in the absence of prior surgery or hernias is often caused by a tumor. Vomiting and third spacing of fluid cause volume depletion. Prolonged obstruction can cause bowel ischemia, infarction, and perforation.
How is a large bowel obstruction treated?
Treatments for large bowel obstructions include:IV fluid replacement: IV fluids and electrolytes (sodium, chloride and potassium) treat dehydration.Medications: Anti-nausea medicine and pain relievers can keep you more comfortable.Nasogastric tube: Your healthcare provider inserts a long, thin tube through your nose.More items...•
Where is the most common location for bowel obstruction?
Colonic obstruction is most commonly seen in the sigmoid colon.
What is the most common type of bowel obstruction?
A common type of blockage is called fecal impaction.
What are the warning signs of a bowel obstruction?
Symptoms of intestinal obstruction are:Severe pain in your belly.Severe cramping sensations in your belly.Throwing up.Feelings of fullness or swelling in your belly.Loud sounds from your belly.Feeling gassy, but being unable to pass gas.Constipation (being unable to pass stool)
What medications cause bowel obstruction?
Opioid pain relievers. Also called narcotics, opioids treat pain that is severe and that has not improved with other, milder pain medications. ... NSAIDs. ... Antihistamines. ... Tricyclic antidepressants. ... Urinary incontinence medications. ... Iron supplements. ... Blood pressure medications. ... Anti-nausea medications.
Can you still poop if you have a bowel obstruction?
It's a common misconception that you can't have a bowel movement if you have a bowel obstruction. Some people do pass stool even when they have a bowel obstruction. Their symptoms are typically pain, bloating, and nausea. You can even have loose stools but still have a bowel obstruction.
How do you clear a bowel obstruction without surgery?
Placing an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your arm so that fluids can be given. Putting a tube through your nose and into your stomach (nasogastric tube)to suck out air and fluid and relieve abdominal swelling. Placing a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into your bladder to drain urine and collect it for testing.
How long can you live with a bowel obstruction?
Without any fluids (either as sips, ice chips or intravenously) people with a complete bowel obstruction most often survive a week or two. Sometimes it's only a few days, sometimes as long as three weeks. With fluids, survival time may be extended by a few weeks or even a month or two.
How long does it take for a bowel obstruction to clear on its own?
Number of cases The shortest was 2 weeks, while the longest approached 30 years. Of the 293 admissions, medical management alone was used during 220 (75.1%) admissions. The duration of observation until resolution of bowel obstruction ranged from 2 to 12 days (average 6.9 days, Table 2).
How long does it take to recover from bowel obstruction surgery?
Most patients stay in the hospital for between five and seven days following bowel obstruction surgery. It can take several weeks or months to fully return to normal activities. Your medical team with work with you to manage post-surgical pain.
Can a bowel obstruction be cleared without surgery?
An intestinal obstruction is painful and potentially dangerous, and typically requires hospital care. However, you won't necessarily need surgery. Many blockages can be resolved with a non-invasive procedure, and patients often never have a recurrence.
Can you still poop if you have a bowel obstruction?
It's a common misconception that you can't have a bowel movement if you have a bowel obstruction. Some people do pass stool even when they have a bowel obstruction. Their symptoms are typically pain, bloating, and nausea. You can even have loose stools but still have a bowel obstruction.
How do they remove a bowel obstruction?
The surgeon makes a cut in your belly to see your intestines. Sometimes, the surgery can be done using a laparoscope, which means smaller cuts are used. The surgeon locates the area of your intestine (bowel) that is blocked and unblocks it. Any damaged parts of your bowel will be repaired or removed.
Can a bowel obstruction resolve on its own?
Most of the time, complete blockages require a stay in the hospital and possibly surgery. But if your bowel is only partly blocked, your doctor may tell you to wait until it clears on its own and you are able to pass gas and stool.