What is intestinal obstruction?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Intestinal obstruction refers to a blockage condition caused by various factors leading to intestinal obstruction, compression, and torsion, which prevents the normal passage of intestinal contents through the intestine. This is collectively referred to as intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction can be divided into three categories based on the cause: first, mechanical intestinal obstruction; second, dynamic intestinal obstruction; and third, vascular intestinal obstruction. The main clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction are abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and cessation of gas and feces from the anus. Clinically, intestinal obstruction can be treated conservatively or surgically.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Is intestinal obstruction dangerous?

Whether intestinal obstruction is dangerous depends on the actual individualized level. If the obstruction has progressed to symptoms of peritonitis, and if intestinal necrosis cannot be ruled out, not performing timely exploratory laparotomy surgery could potentially endanger the patient's life. However, if it is just a mild incomplete obstruction, with signs of passing gas and stools, and the patient’s abdominal symptoms are not pronounced, and related examinations are not concerning, then the risk to the patient might be relatively smaller. Therefore, in such cases, it is not possible to generalize, and decisions need to be made based on the individual situation.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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What is intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction refers to a blockage condition caused by various factors leading to intestinal obstruction, compression, and torsion, which prevents the normal passage of intestinal contents through the intestine. This is collectively referred to as intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction can be divided into three categories based on the cause: first, mechanical intestinal obstruction; second, dynamic intestinal obstruction; and third, vascular intestinal obstruction. The main clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction are abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and cessation of gas and feces from the anus. Clinically, intestinal obstruction can be treated conservatively or surgically.

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

The main clinical manifestations of intestinal obstruction include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and cessation of gas and bowel movements from the anus. During the physical examination, tenderness in the abdomen can be observed, as well as hyperactive bowel sounds. Laboratory tests may reveal increased red and white blood cell counts, and electrolyte imbalances. Supplementary examinations, such as abdominal X-ray films, can show dilation of the intestinal tube, air and fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity, and the presence of fluid-air levels. Abdominal ultrasound can also reveal air and fluid accumulation in the intestinal tube. Through the above examinations, intestinal obstruction can be diagnosed.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

The symptoms of intestinal obstruction generally manifest as abdominal pain, especially cunning types that can cause severe abdominal pain. Secondly, due to the blockage of the intestines by the obstruction, it can lead to vomiting of stomach acid, which is also greatly related to the location of the obstruction. Thirdly, there will be intestinal discomfort, which leads to some discomforts. Therefore, if the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to quickly visit the general surgery department to complete relevant examinations and intervene early based on the results to prevent further damage.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Early symptoms of intestinal obstruction

What are the early symptoms of intestinal obstruction? For intestinal obstruction, the symptoms that appear in the early stages vary depending on the location of the obstruction. If it is a high-level obstruction, the main early symptoms are nausea and vomiting. If it is a low-level obstruction, abdominal distension is more prominent early on, and nausea and vomiting are less common. Additionally, the cause of the obstruction also leads to different symptoms. For instance, if the obstruction is simply due to adhesions in the abdominal cavity, the early symptoms may include poor appetite or nausea and vomiting. If it is caused by tumors in the digestive tract, early symptoms might include abdominal bloating, difficulty defecating, bloody stools, or changes in the characteristics of the stool, among others.