Bowel obstruction

What is a bowel obstruction?

A bowel obstruction is a sudden blockage in the intestinal passage through which food must travel. It is also known as an intestinal obstruction. Food can then no longer leave the body as stool. This can cause serious symptoms and, in some cases, even a life-threatening situation. A complete bowel obstruction is called an ileus. If some food can still pass through the intestine, this is called a sub-ileus. On this page, Darmklachten.nl explains the possible causes of a bowel obstruction, the symptoms that may occur and which tests you may be able to have to investigate whether you might have a bowel obstruction.

Causes of a bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction can have several causes. The most common reason food cannot pass through the intestine is a narrowing or kink in the bowel, or an obstruction of the intestinal contents because bowel movement has slowed or stopped. A complete bowel obstruction (ileus) occurs when an obstacle blocks the passage. This may be a tumour or scar tissue, for example. The intestine then tries to push the food past the obstruction with strong contractions.

What are the symptoms of a bowel obstruction?

A bowel obstruction can cause the following symptoms:

• attacks of severe abdominal pain (colic)
• a swollen abdomen
• pain when a doctor presses on the abdomen
• vomiting; the vomit may become progressively darker and increasingly resemble coffee grounds or stool
• inability to pass wind or stool

Examination

If nausea persists, it is important to consult a doctor. This includes vomiting that lasts for more than two days in adults; for children, this is 24 hours. It also applies to episodes of nausea and vomiting that continue for more than a few weeks. Specific blood tests performed by a GP or specialist are necessary to detect serious conditions such as a bowel obstruction.

Treatment of a bowel obstruction

A bowel obstruction is often temporary and resolves on its own. Sometimes more extensive treatment is needed to relieve the obstruction. Surgery is almost always required if the intestines are completely blocked or if the blood supply to the intestine has been cut off. Most bowel obstructions are treated in hospital with fluids or air (enema) or with small tubes (stents) that relieve the blockage. Medicines and fluids can be administered through a vein. A small tube can also be inserted through the nose into the stomach. This tube removes fluid and reduces pressure and pain in the intestines.

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