Can you fart with intestinal obstruction?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on December 21, 2024
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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 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 Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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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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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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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 Zhang Peng
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How to diagnose intestinal obstruction?

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.