Intestinal obstruction: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.

T Causes
P Obstruction of the bowel may be due to:
- A mechanical cause, which means something is in the way
- Ileus, a condition in which the bowel does not work correctly, but there is no structural problem causing it
P Paralytic ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction, is one of the major causes of intestinal obstruction in infants and children. Causes of paralytic ileus may include:
- Bacteria or viruses that cause intestinal infections (gastroenteritis)
- Chemical, electrolyte, or mineral imbalances (such as decreased potassium level)
- Abdominal surgery
- Decreased blood supply to the intestines
- Infections inside the abdomen, such as appendicitis
- Kidney or lung disease
- Use of certain medicines, especially narcotics
P Mechanical causes of intestinal obstruction may include:
- Adhesions or scar tissue that forms after surgery
- Foreign bodies (objects that are swallowed and block the intestines)
- Gallstones (rare)
- Hernias
- Impacted stool
- Intussusception (telescoping of 1 segment of bowel into another)
- Tumors blocking the intestines
- Volvulus (twisted intestine)

T Symptoms
P Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal swelling (distention)
- Abdominal fullness, gas
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Breath odor
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Inability to pass gas
- Vomiting

T Exams and Tests
P During a physical exam, the health care provider may find bloating, tenderness, or hernias in the abdomen.
P Tests that show obstruction include:
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal x-ray
- Barium enema
- Upper GI and small bowel series

T Treatment
P Treatment involves placing a tube through the nose into the stomach or intestine. This is to help relieve abdominal swelling (distention) and vomiting. Volvulus of the large bowel may be treated by passing a tube into the rectum.
P Surgery may be needed to relieve the obstruction if the tube does not relieve the symptoms. It may also be needed if there are signs of tissue death.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P The outcome depends on the cause of the blockage. Most of the time, the cause is successfully treated.

T Possible Complications
P Complications may include or may lead to:
- Electrolyte (blood chemical and mineral) imbalances
- Dehydration
- Hole (perforation) in the intestine
- Infection
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
P If the obstruction blocks the blood supply to the intestine, it may cause infection and tissue death (gangrene). Risks for tissue death are related to the cause of the blockage and how long it has been present. Hernias, volvulus, and intussusception carry a higher gangrene risk.
P In a newborn, paralytic ileus that destroys the bowel wall (necrotizing enterocolitis) is a life-threatening condition. It may lead to blood and lung infections.

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your provider if you:
- Cannot pass stool or gas
- Have a swollen abdomen (distention) that does not go away
- Keep vomiting

T Prevention
P Prevention depends on the cause. Treating conditions, such as tumors and hernias that can lead to a blockage, may reduce your risk.
P Some causes of obstruction cannot be prevented.

T Alternative Names
P Paralytic ileus; Intestinal volvulus; Bowel obstruction; Ileus; Pseudo-obstruction - intestinal; Colonic ileus

T Patient Instructions
- Diet - clear liquid
- Diet - full liquid
- Large bowel resection - discharge
- Small bowel resection - discharge
- Total colectomy or proctocolectomy - discharge

T Images
- Digestive system
- Ileus - x-ray of distended bowel and stomach
- Ileus - x-ray of bowel distension
- Intussusception - x-ray
- Volvulus - x-ray
- Small bowel obstruction - x-ray
- Small bowel resection - series

T References
P Fry RD, Mahmoud NN, Maron DJ, Bleier JIS. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 52.
P McKenzie S, Evers BM. Small intestine. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 50.
P Mizell JS, Turnage RH. Intestinal obstruction. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 123.

T Review Date 5/11/2016
P Updated by: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

