INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

General Information

DEFINITION--Partial or complete blockage of the intestines.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Small and large bowel.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Cramping abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting. In the advanced stages, vomit resembles feces.
• Weakness, dizziness or fainting.
• Little or no urine due to fluid loss.
• Failure to pass stools or gas.
• Audible noises from the abdomen in early stages; later, no sounds are audible.
• Abdominal bloating, swelling and gas.
• Fever (sometimes).
• Diarrhea (partial obstruction only).
• Rectal bleeding (sometimes).

> Intestinal inflammation or tumors--

either benign or cancerous.

• Tumors in adjacent organs that cause pressure on the intestines.
• Foreign objects inside the intestines (swallowed objects or parasites such as worms).
• Twisted bowel (volvulus, See Glossary).
• Severe constipation (fecal impaction).

RISK INCREASES WITH--Previous abdominal surgery.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Eat a diet high in fiber and drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of liquid a day to avoid constipation or fecal impaction.
• Obtain prompt medical treatment for repair of hernias.
• See your doctor if your bowel habits change significantly for longer than 7 days. This may be an early symptom of bowel cancer.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies to measure fluids and electrolytes and to detect bleeding or infection.
• X-rays of the intestinal tract and abdomen (upper and lower GI series).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove the obstruction (usually).
• Hospitalization for diagnosis and replacement of lost fluids prior to surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Dehydration and shock.
• Bowel gangrene.
• Peritonitis.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Surgery can usually correct the obstruction, but it may not correct the underlying cause, such as cancer. Without treatment, complications can be fatal.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Intestinal obstruction usually develops rapidly into an emergency. Home remedies are of no value and some--such as enemas or laxatives--may be harmful.

MEDICATION--Medication is not helpful for intestinal obstruction. However, your doctor may prescribe medication appropriate for the underlying disorder.

ACTIVITY--Rest in bed until the obstruction is corrected. If surgery is necessary, resume normal activities gradually.

DIET--Don't eat or drink anything until the obstruction is corrected. You will probably receive intravenous nourishment until then.

Call Your Doctor If

• Your bowel habits change.
• You have early symptoms of intestinal obstruction.