Enema method for intestinal obstruction

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 11, 2024
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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.

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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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Is intestinal obstruction dangerous?

Intestinal obstruction is a relatively dangerous and common emergency condition in general surgery. It is a disease caused by an obstruction to the passage of intestinal contents, categorized by its causes into mechanical intestinal obstruction, dynamic intestinal obstruction, and vascular intestinal obstruction, among which vascular intestinal obstruction is particularly dangerous. Based on blood circulation in the intestinal wall, it is divided into simple intestinal obstruction and strangulated intestinal obstruction, with strangulated intestinal obstruction being more dangerous as it can easily lead to ischemic necrosis of the intestines. According to the degree of obstruction, it is classified into partial intestinal obstruction and complete intestinal obstruction, with the latter being more dangerous. Intestinal obstruction, especially strangulated or vascular intestinal obstruction, can lead to obstructed blood circulation in the intestinal wall, resulting in ischemic necrosis and possibly perforation, making it a very dangerous condition.

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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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Symptoms of intestinal obstruction

For symptoms of intestinal obstruction, the typical manifestations are abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and cessation of passing gas or stool. Most people may experience several of these symptoms; however, the severity of the symptoms depends on the location and condition of the obstruction. Once symptoms of intestinal obstruction occur, it is necessary to refrain from eating and then carry out appropriate examinations. Identifying the cause of the obstruction is crucial. If the obstruction is caused by tumor-related factors, surgical treatment should be considered based on a comprehensive assessment. If the obstruction is due to adhesions, conservative treatment methods should be adopted where possible.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is intestinal obstruction serious?

When the contents of the intestine cannot be normally expelled through the intestinal tract, it is called intestinal obstruction. Its clinical manifestations mainly include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, cessation of defecation and flatulence from the anus. The treatment of intestinal obstruction mainly includes conservative treatment and surgical treatment, with the vast majority of patients receiving conservative treatment. This includes gastrointestinal decompression, abstinence from drinking and eating, enhanced anti-inflammatory therapy, and maintenance of electrolyte balance. Only a small portion of patients require surgical treatment. After treatment, the vast majority of patients with intestinal obstruction can recover normally, which means that intestinal obstruction is not a very serious illness.