Bowel obstruction is a problem the surgeons commonly face. It has many causes, most commonly adhesions due to previous surgeries, hernias, tumors and inflammatory diseases. It can be partial or complete which changes the severity of how patients present.
In general, patients complain of abdominal pain that waxes and wanes (colics), nausea especially after eating and sometimes vomiting. Distention of the abdomen is usually also present.
It is usually diagnosed with history and clinical examination. Additional imaging studies like x-rays, or CT-scan maybe necessary depending on the situation.
Treatment of obstruction is usually surgical except if due to adhesions presenting for the first time. Surgery is needed to address the cause of the obstruction. Relieving the cause resolves the obstruction. Surgery can be done laparoscopically if the bowel distention allows some surgical space. In fact, it is advised to approach a recurrent adhesive obstruction laparoscopically, since open surgery tends cause adhesions on its own. Laparoscopic surgery meanwhile, does not carry the risk of adhesion formation, especially with experienced surgeons.
It is important not to wait a long time (meaning few hours) on a complete bowel obstruction, since the segment involved with the obstruction can become dead and require resection.