An intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the intestine, which prevents the normal transit of feces and gases. This blockage can occur in both the small intestine and the colon. Bowel obstruction causes severe abdominal painin the form of cramps (colic) which recidivate cyclically, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting occur more frequently and sooner during an obstruction in the proximal bowel and may be the only symptom. In the case of distal occlusion, which has been going on for some time, vomiting may even appear as fecal matter (fecaloid vomiting) which is caused by bacterial proliferation upstream of the obstruction.
Causes of Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction is due to different problems. Mechanical occlusions are distinguished from functional occlusions.
Mechanical occlusions
In the small intestine , intestinal adhesions are the main cause of mechanical obstruction. Intestinal adhesions are fibrous tissues found in the abdominal cavity, sometimes at birth, but most often after surgery. These tissues may eventually bind to the gut wall and cause occlusion.
The hernias and tumors are also relatively common causes of mechanical obstruction of the small intestine. More rarely, it will be caused by an abnormal narrowing at the exit of the stomach, twisting of the intestinal tract on itself (volvulus), chronic inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease , or the reversal of a part of the intestine in the other (an intussusception, in medical language).
In the colon , the causes of intestinal obstruction most often correspond to a tumor , diverticula , or a twisting of the intestinal tract on itself. More rarely, the occlusion will be due to an abnormal narrowing of the colon, intussusception, stool plugs (faecal) or the presence of a foreign body.
Functional occlusion
When not of mechanical origin, bowel obstruction results from an abnormal functioning of the intestines. The latter are no longer able to transit materials and gases, without there being physical obstacle for all that. This is called paralytic ileus or intestinal pseudo-obstruction . This type of obstruction occurs most often after bowel surgery.
Possible complications
If the intestinal obstruction is not treated in time, it can degenerate and cause death (necrosis) of the part of the intestine that is blocked. Perforation of the intestine can result and cause peritonitis , leading to serious infections or even death.
When to consult?
See your doctor as soon as symptoms appear.
Symptoms of bowel obstruction
Occlusion in the small intestine may result in the following symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps quite intense, occurring at intervals of 5 to 15 minutes (faster cycle in case of proximal obstruction, slower in case of distal obstruction);
- Nausea;
- Vomitings;
- Of diarrhea (initially accelerated by the drain part of the intestine downstream of the obstruction);
- Bloating;
- Complete cessation of stool and gas elimination;
- Fever.
The symptoms of bowel obstruction are mainly:
- An inflated abdomen;
- Abdominal pain, diffuse and moderate or acute and intense, depending on the cause of the obstruction;
- A total stop of the elimination of stool and gases.
People at risk for Bowel obstruction
- People who have had abdominal surgery are at higher risk for adhesions, a leading cause of intestinal obstruction;
- People with Crohn’s disease ;
- Severe chronic constipation.
Prevention
In most cases, it is impossible to prevent bowel obstruction . Adequate treatment of hernias and cancers that affect the gut may, however, help reduce the risks.
In addition, colorectal cancer can be helped by a diet that includes a good amount of fruits and vegetables and by eating less red meat, cold cuts (salami, sausages, smoked ham, etc.) and grilling on the barbecue.
You can also reduce the risk of hernia by avoiding lifting heavy objects. This type of effort increases the pressure inside the abdomen and helps to weaken the wall of the abdomen.
Medical treatments of Bowel obstruction
Treatment requires hospitalization in almost all cases. The first step is the insertion of a nasogastric tube through the nose into the stomach, to remove excess gases and fluids and to reduce the pressure on the intestine. The feeding is done by intravenous to circumvent the digestive system.
Thereafter, the treatment varies according to the cause of the occlusion. If it is a paralytic ileus , the doctor may choose a careful observation at the hospital for 1 or 2 days. Ileus often resolves itself in a few days. If the problem persists, we can prescribe drugs that will cause muscle contractions, to help the transit of fluids and solids in the intestine.
A partial mechanical obstruction can sometimes be absorbed by decompressing the intestines with the nasogastric tube. If it does not resolve, surgery is necessary.
Complete mechanical obstruction requires emergency medical intervention .
In case of surgery, it is sometimes necessary to let the bowel heal by performing a temporary stoma that allows to evacuate the stool without passing through the intestine.
Complementary approaches
There is no known complementary approach to preventing or treating bowel obstruction . A balanced diet that is low in fat and high in dietary fiber can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, which is one of the causes of bowel obstruction.
