Intestinal obstruction repair
Key points
- Intestinal obstruction repair is surgery to relieve a bowel obstruction.
- When a blockage occurs in the bowel (intestine), stool is unable to move through.
- Surgery is frequently needed to treat a bowel obstruction, but the type of operation depends on the cause of the obstruction (e.g., adhesions, tumor, incarcerated hernia).
- Expectations after surgery The outcome is usually good if the obstruction is treated before tissue damage or tissue death occurs in the bowel.
Alternative names
Repair of volvulus; Reduction of intussusception
Definition
Intestinal obstruction repair is surgery to relieve a bowel obstruction. A complete obstruction, no matter what the cause, is a surgical emergency.
Description
When a blockage occurs in the bowel (intestine), stool is unable to move through. Gas is trapped within the bowel, causing swelling and abdominal distention. The obstruction also causes restrictions of normal blood flow, which can cause portions of the bowel to die.
The inside of the bowel normally contains many bacteria that serve to help digest foods. When portions of the bowel die, the bowel wall can leak fluids and bacteria out into the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), causing a severe infection (peritonitis).
Intestinal obstruction can result from several causes, such as the following:
- Band of fibrous or scar tissue (adhesions)
- Incarcerated hernias
- Tumors or cysts
- Telescoping of a portion of bowel into another portion (intussusception)
- Twisting or kinking of the bowel (volvulus)
- Swallowed objects (foreign bodies)
This procedure is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made in the abdomen. The site of the bowel obstruction is located, the obstruction is relieved, and the bowel is examined for injury or ischemia (lack of blood flow leading to tissue death).
If possible, injured sections are removed and the healthy ends of the bowel are stitched together (resection). If resection is not possible, the ends are brought out through an opening in the abdomen (ostomy).
Indications
Surgery is frequently needed to treat a bowel obstruction, but the type of operation depends on the cause of the obstruction (e.g., adhesions, tumor, incarcerated hernia). The cause of the obstruction and the need for surgery are determined by your doctor based on your history, physical exam, and radiologic studies.
RISKS
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
Risks for any surgery include the following:
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.