Small Bowel (Intestine) Obstruction (Blockage)
Description
Occurs when there is a partial or complete block in the normal passage of digested material through the small and large intestine. The most common cause of a small bowel obstruction are adhesions from previous surgery. Other causes include hernias, twisting of the bowel (volvulus), and tumors.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, abdominal distention, vomiting, abdominal bloating, constipation.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray and/or CT scan establishes the diagnosis. Other tests are performed to identify damage done by the obstruction.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Lipase
- UA
- X-Ray
- CT Scan
Treatment
Treatment requires resting the bowel by not letting the patient eat or drink, and frequently by draining the gastric contents with a nasogastric tube. Intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications and pain medications are prescribed. At times surgery is needed to relieve the obstruction.
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