Does intestinal obstruction expel gas?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Intestinal obstruction typically refers to the inability of the intestinal contents to pass through the intestines and be expelled from the body normally. Common clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of bowel movements and passing gas. However, in some cases, such as partial intestinal obstruction or high intestinal obstruction, gas can still be expelled from the anus below the obstruction site. This means that some intestinal obstructions can still pass gas, but the ability to pass gas does not mean the patient has recovered.

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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 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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Does intestinal obstruction expel gas?

Intestinal obstruction typically refers to the inability of the intestinal contents to pass through the intestines and be expelled from the body normally. Common clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of bowel movements and passing gas. However, in some cases, such as partial intestinal obstruction or high intestinal obstruction, gas can still be expelled from the anus below the obstruction site. This means that some intestinal obstructions can still pass gas, but the ability to pass gas does not mean the patient has recovered.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How to deal with intestinal obstruction?

Patients with intestinal obstruction commonly present with abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of passing gas or stool. Treatment for intestinal obstruction primarily includes conservative management and surgical intervention. Conservative treatment firstly involves gastrointestinal decompression, abstaining from food and drink, and, if necessary, the insertion of a gastric tube. The second step is to enhance anti-inflammatory measures to prevent infections within the abdominal cavity. The third step is proactive fluid replenishment to prevent disorders of water and electrolyte balance. Along with aggressive conservative treatment, the patient's overall condition should be monitored. If a pseudo-obstruction occurs, surgical treatment should be actively pursued.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Enema method for intestinal obstruction

Enemas are an effective treatment measure in the management of intestinal obstruction. An enema involves a nurse using an enema bag to introduce about 500 milliliters of soapy water through a rounded-tip catheter into the rectum via the anus. Typically, the catheter is inserted about 30 centimeters deep. The purpose of injecting soapy water into the rectum is to stimulate intestinal peristalsis, leading to the expulsion of intestinal contents. During this process, it is important to avoid damage to the intestinal mucosa and consider the patient's tolerance. Generally, it is preferable to retain the soapy water for an extended period for better results.