How to diagnose intestinal obstruction?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 19, 2024
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How to diagnose intestinal obstruction, which is a common acute abdomen condition in surgery. If symptoms such as cessation of passing gas or stools, abdominal pain, and vomiting occur, it may suggest the presence of an intestinal obstruction. The simplest diagnostic method for intestinal obstruction is to perform an upright abdominal plain film to assess the degree of obstruction, based on the presence or absence of fluid levels. Furthermore, identifying the fundamental cause of the obstruction is essential; this can be achieved through enhanced abdominal CT and colonoscopy to make a determination. An abdominal ultrasound can also be performed, which provides a better understanding of the condition of the intestinal obstruction. Using abdominal ultrasound, the presence of effusion can be detected, and by aspirating the effusion, its properties can be analyzed to determine if there is a condition such as bowel necrosis.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Causes of intestinal obstruction

The causes of intestinal obstruction include factors external to the intestine and those originating from the intestine itself. External factors are mainly adhesions and bands of adhesions that cause intussusception or volvulus, thereby leading to intestinal obstruction. Congenital adhesive bands are common in children. Adhesions resulting from abdominal surgery or intra-abdominal inflammatory lesions are the most common causes of adult intestinal obstruction, although a minority of patients may have no history of abdominal surgery or inflammation. Additionally, incarcerated external or internal hernias may also cause intestinal obstruction. Furthermore, tumors external to the intestine or abdominal compression can also lead to obstruction.

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

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 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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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can you fart with intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction is caused by any reason that prevents the passage of intestinal contents. Intestinal obstruction can be divided into acute, partial, and acute complete intestinal obstruction. In complete obstruction, there is a cessation of both gas and feces passage from the anus. Partial obstruction may still allow the passage of gas from the anus, i.e., farting, or a small amount of bowel movement. Acute complete intestinal obstruction is accompanied by abdominal pain and distension, with no gas or feces passing through the anus. Higher intestinal obstructions may also involve nausea and vomiting. Treatment requires gastrointestinal decompression, anti-inflammatory hydration, and if necessary, enema treatment until intestinal function is restored and gas and bowel movements can occur.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Causes of intestinal obstruction

Generally, the basic causes of intestinal obstruction can be divided into three categories. The most common is mechanical intestinal obstruction, which mainly includes blockage of the intestinal lumen, such as large fecal masses or corresponding foreign objects, and even parasites. The second type is compression of the intestinal tube, which can be caused by adhesions leading to torsion of the intestine or compression by tumors, and congenital inflammatory strictures and tumors can cause mechanical intestinal obstruction. The second major category is dynamic intestinal obstruction, which is primarily due to weakened peristaltic ability of the intestine, resulting in paralytic intestinal obstruction. This condition can be improved by adjusting intestinal function disorders or treating intestinal spasms. The third type is intestinal obstruction caused by vascular issues in the intestines, most commonly thrombosis of the mesentery or compression causing vascular disorders of the intestines.