Intestinal Obstruction-Types-Causes-Clinical Signs-Treatment

Intestinal Obstruction:
Intestinal Obstruction is defined as a partial or complete blockage of the bowel that results in the failure of intestinal contents to pass through it.

Types:

Intestinal obstruction can be classified into 2 types

Dynamic	Adynamic
Peristalsis is working against a mechanical obstruction. It may occur in an acute or chronic form of mechanical obstruction	Peristalsis Absent
The obstructing lesion may be: Intraluminal (Ex. impacted faeces, foreign bodies, gallstones)  Intramural (Ex. malignant or inflammatory strictures) Extramural (Ex. intraperitoneal bands and adhesions, hernias, volvulus or intussusceptions.)	l  ILEUS, esp. post surgical ¡  INFARCTION ¡  MOTILITY DISEASES, esp., HIRSCHSPRUNG DISEASE

Other Classification.

According to;

1. Onset: Acute (sudden onset) and Chronic (slow onset) obstruction
2. Site: Small intestine obstruction (also called high obstruction) and Large intestine obstruction (also called low obstruction
3. Nature: Simple (blood supply do not compromise) and strangulated(blood supply may compromise)

Causes

¡ADHESIONS (post-surgical)

¡IMPACTION

¡HERNIAS

¡VOLVULUS

¡INTUSSUSCEPTION

¡TUMORS

¡INFLAMMATION, such as IBD (Crohn) or diverticulitis

¡STRICTURES / ATRESIA

¡STONES, FECALITHS, FOREIGN BODIES

¡CONGENITAL BANDS, MECONIUM, IMPERFORATED ANUS

Clinical Signs and Symptoms:

l Abdominal Pain

l Abdominal distention

l Vomiting.

l Constipation.

Treatment

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Some causes of bowel obstruction may resolve spontaneously; many require operative treatment.

In adults, frequently the surgical intervention and the treatment of the causative lesion are required. In malignant large bowel obstruction, endoscopically placed self-expanding metal stents may be used to temporarily relieve the obstruction as a bridge to surgery, or as palliation.
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