How is intestinal obstruction treated?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on August 31, 2024
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The treatment methods for intestinal obstruction can be divided into non-surgical and surgical treatments in clinical practice. In our clinic, most cases of intestinal obstruction, such as adhesive obstruction or parasitic obstruction, can be alleviated through gastrointestinal decompression, enemas, and rapid expulsion of gas and stools, achieving the therapeutic goal. However, a small portion of intestinal obstructions do not respond to non-surgical treatments, and vital signs cannot be maintained; such cases require active surgical intervention.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

Intestinal obstruction is caused by any factor that causes blockage of the intestinal tube. Compression and twisting cause the intestinal contents to not pass normally, leading to obstructive symptoms. Clinically, intestinal obstruction mainly presents with four major symptoms: first, intermittent abdominal pain; second, vomiting, where the higher the location of the obstruction, the earlier and more frequent the vomiting, consisting mainly of food or gastric fluid. If the location of the obstruction is lower, the vomiting is delayed and less frequent and may include fecal matter; third, abdominal distension, which generally occurs after the obstruction has been present for some time, and its severity is related to the location of the obstruction; fourth, cessation of gas and feces discharge through the anus.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How is intestinal obstruction treated?

Patients with intestinal obstruction primarily receive the following treatments: First, basic treatment, which includes gastrointestinal decompression, where patients need to refrain from eating and drinking, meaning they cannot consume food or water. Additionally, a gastric tube may be inserted. Second, frequent vomiting combined with the prohibition of food and drink can lead to disturbances in electrolyte and acid-base balance, so intravenous fluid supplementation is used to correct these imbalances. Third, appropriate antibiotics are used to prevent infection. Further, in cases of intestinal obstruction, abdominal distension can cause a sensation of bloating in the stomach, and somatostatin may be used to reduce the secretion of gastrointestinal fluids and alleviate abdominal distension. Alongside basic treatment, it’s essential to monitor the abdominal condition to see if it worsens, and surgical intervention should be considered when necessary.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How to relieve intestinal obstruction

How to alleviate intestinal obstruction, which means how to treat intestinal obstruction. After the occurrence of intestinal obstruction, it is first important to clarify what intestinal obstruction is. Intestinal obstruction is characterized by cessation of gas and stool passage from the anus, and is usually accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and even fever. If intestinal obstruction occurs, firstly, do not eat or drink, and then carry out appropriate examinations to identify the cause of the obstruction. If it is adhesive obstruction, treatment generally includes fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, anti-inflammatory treatment, fluid replenishment, and enemas as symptomatic treatment measures, trying to keep the treatment as conservative as possible. If the obstruction is caused by a tumor, it is preferable to perform surgery to remove the obstruction based on a clear diagnosis, as this is the only effective treatment.

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Intestinal Obstruction Nursing Measures

Intestinal obstruction is primarily a disease that requires treatment, which involves fasting from water, gastrointestinal decompression, anti-inflammation treatments, enemas, and sometimes the auxiliary use of traditional Chinese medicine. The nursing measures for this condition build upon these treatments and involve further management of daily activities. Generally, patients with intestinal obstruction must be cautious with their diet to avoid overeating or consuming foods that are hard to digest or that could potentially form obstructions. Secondly, it is important to manage and ensure that patients avoid vigorous exercise, as such activity can lead to the recurrence of intestinal obstruction, especially if there are adhesions within the abdominal cavity.

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Principles of Intestinal Obstruction Treatment

In the treatment principles of intestinal obstruction, the basic treatment methods apply to both partial and complete intestinal obstructions. Firstly, gastrointestinal decompression is required based on the situation. Gastrointestinal decompression involves the insertion of a gastric tube, which is determined by whether the patient has symptoms of nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms are prominent, a gastric tube should be placed to drain the stomach contents, thus alleviating the burden and swelling of the intestines and aiding in the treatment of the disease. Another aspect is fluid replenishment and anti-inflammation, as intestinal obstruction will definitely lead to changes in intestinal flora and concurrent infections, making anti-infection measures very important. Fluid replenishment involves administering nutrient solutions to provide nutrition and prevent electrolyte imbalances. Additionally, enemas or traditional Chinese medicine may be used to facilitate intestinal motility. During this treatment process, it is crucial to closely monitor the condition to assess if exploratory surgery is indicated. As the condition can either improve or worsen, close observation is extremely important.