The part of the body that lies between the chest and the pelvis.
Bowel obstruction occurs when you have a complete or partial blockage of your bowel. The blockage stops liquids, solids and gas passing through your small or large intestine (bowel).
Bowel obstruction is a serious condition that requires prompt medical treatment. It can occur at any age, but is more common in the young and in the elderly.
The bowel is a major part of the digestive system, which also includes the liver and the stomach. The bowel is made up of the small and large intestines. When food leaves the stomach, it enters the small intestine, a long and narrow tube (about 20 feet long and one inch wide) that is important for absorbing most of the nutrients in our food. The small intestine is made up of three sections - the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. The jejunum and ileum move freely within the abdominal cavity, and are therefore at risk of twisting and forming a mechanical obstruction known as a volvulus (see below).
The small intestine empties into the large intestine, a wider and shorter tube (about 5 feet long and two and a half inches wide). It is mostly used for storing feces and absorbing water. The large intestine is made up of the caecum, the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid and the rectum. The caecum and sigmoid are generally mobile and so are also at risk of twisting.
The digestive system.
All parts of the bowel are at a risk of developing a bowel obstruction. Obstructions can be either mechanical or non-mechanical:
A mechanical obstruction is when the bowel becomes physically blocked from the inside, or is compressed from the outside. Common causes include:
Different causes of bowel obstruction.
In a healthy intestine, the intestinal muscles produce a rhythmic movement, known as peristalsis, that helps move the intestine's contents along (much like a wave, or like squeezing toothpaste from a tube). A non-mechanical obstruction, also known as paralytic ileus or pseudo-obstruction, is a condition in which peristalsis does not occur. The bowel is essentially paralyzed. This is usually reversible.
Common causes may include:
A pouch at the beginning of the large intestine that receives digested food from the small intestine.
The final part of the large intestine, leading to the anus.
The part of the large intestine before the rectum.
Risk factors for bowel obstruction include:
The part of the body that lies between the chest and the pelvis.
With a bowel obstruction, the signs and symptoms are the result of the build-up of gases, liquids and feces within the bowel. The type of pain and other symptoms experienced will depend greatly on the location of the blockage, but the following are common:
A bowel obstruction can cause abdominal pain and cramping.
Your doctor will usually perform a physical examination, feeling your abdomen for any lumps or areas of pain, and listening to your bowel sounds with a stethoscope.
Other tests may include:
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests done. These will likely include a full blood count and tests for inflammation, electrolyte levels and kidney function.
An abdominal X-ray is a simple, fast and very useful test used in the diagnosis of bowel obstruction. X-rays are taken while you are lying down and sitting or standing up. Observing the air and fluid patterns in your bowel can show the presence, type and location of the obstruction.
Computerized tomography (CT) scans send X-ray beams from multiple angles using a machine that circles your body. A CT of the abdomen can give a detailed picture of the type, location and cause of the bowel obstruction, and can help diagnose any complications.
A barium enema is a bowel X-ray that uses a dye containing barium. A dye-filled tube is inserted through the anus, and releases the fluid into the colon. An X-ray is then taken of the bowel. This can help determine the presence and location of a large bowel obstruction.
A colonoscopy can be used to examine the entire length of the large bowel. A colonoscope, which is a long tube with a camera at the end, is inserted into your bowel through the anus. Air is then pumped into the bowel to allow your doctor to see it properly. This is typically performed under light sedation (anesthesia), so you remain relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. A colonoscopy may be useful in investigating certain large bowel obstructions, particularly where a volvulus is present.
The colonoscopy procedure.
The part of the body that lies between the chest and the pelvis.
A scan that uses ionizing radiation beams to create an image of the body’s internal structures.
Bowel obstruction is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If it is not promptly treated, you can become severely dehydrated. The wall of the bowel is thin, and can burst (perforate) if the pressure inside the bowel builds up (see 'Potential complications' below).
Bowel obstructions should be managed in a hospital, where you can be closely monitored. Your doctor will likely stabilize your condition by giving you pain-relief medications, anti-nausea medications and fluids through a drip (intravenous).
A thin tube, called a nasogastric tube, may be inserted into your stomach through the nose, to release any pressure that has built up in your stomach and to stop further vomiting and nausea. The tube is usually left in place to drain away excess fluid and gas, relieving pain, pressure and discomfort. Your will be advised to not eat any food until the condition resolves. Usually, intravenous fluid is enough to sustain your body for several days.
Further treatment depends on the underlying cause of the obstruction:
Some types of mechanical obstruction, such as constipation and intestinal adhesions, can be successfully treated without surgery:
Most other types of mechanical obstruction may require one of the following procedures:
Colonoscopy may be performed to untwist a volvulus and release the pressure on the affected bowel. If the volvulus is severe or too high up in the bowel, surgery will be required.
Bowel resection is a type of surgery in which a part of your bowel is removed. You will be under general anesthetic during the surgery, so will not feel any pain. Once the unhealthy part of your bowel is removed, your surgeon will either staple or sew the healthy parts together.
The colon is divided and rejoined on either side of the obstruction to create a 'bypass' around it. This technique is used in certain cases of bowel obstruction where the underlying cause cannot be surgically resected. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Another option is to divert the bowel to an artificial opening in the abdomen (a stoma). A bag is then attached to the stoma to collect the feces. This may be a temporary or permanent solution, depending on the underlying cause. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you before your procedure.
Stents are self-expanding mesh tubes made of metal or plastic that keep the bowel open. A stent can be inserted through an obstruction or narrowing inside the bowel using colonoscopy. Stents are typically used for cancers of the large bowel, where surgery may not help, or is too risky.
Non-mechanical obstructions are generally managed by treating the underlying cause. Your doctor will generally admit you to hospital and keep you under observation. A nasogastric tube may be inserted to reduce fluid build-up and allow the bowel to rest. You may also receive fluids intravenously to prevent dehydration.
If normal bowel movements do not return, you may be given medications that cause muscle contractions. In addition, the underlying cause of the obstruction will need to be treated.
The part of the body that lies between the chest and the pelvis.
Bowel obstruction may be potentially fatal if the following complications occur:
Substances that form ions when dissolved in water. These include potassium and sodium minerals that are necessary for normal functioning of the body and all its cells.
The death of a mass of body tissue, usually resulting from obstructed blood supply or bacterial infection.
Non-cancerous bowel obstructions, in healthy individuals, tend to have a good outcome. However, untreated complications such as gangrene or perforations can lead to the need for longer-term management, or even death.
Certain causes of bowel obstruction can increase the risk of future obstruction episodes. Your doctor can discuss if this is a possibility for you, and the measures you can take to reduce your risk.
The death of a mass of body tissue, usually resulting from obstructed blood supply or bacterial infection.
Prevention of intestinal obstruction will depend on the underlying cause. Some types of obstruction cannot be avoided.
You can lower your chances of constipation by drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet and exercising. Avoid developing a hernia by taking care when lifting heavy loads.
If you are suffering from a partial blockage, or are recovering from bowel surgery and are at risk of intestinal adhesions, your doctor may suggest that you take certain steps to ease your situation, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, or avoiding certain foods (such as fatty or greasy foods, or foods that induce gas).
In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you eat a diet that is low in fiber and high in protein, to reduce the strain on your bowel and hasten healing. Since fiber is a necessary part of good nutrition, such a diet should only be followed if your doctor recommends it for your specific circumstances.