Obstruction

What is gastrointestinal obstruction?

A partial or total obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon (large intestines), and rectum, is referred to as gastrointestinal obstruction. Any obstruction along this pathway can have an impact on how food, liquids, and gas pass through the tract and are absorbed.

The obstruction may result from something in the digestive tract impeding motion, the intestines narrowing, or twisting. Tumors, hernias, constipation, adhesions (scar tissue), and inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract (such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.) are a few examples, but there are many more as well. A life-threatening issue could arise if the damaged tract sections are not treated.

Risk Factors

• Severe constipation
  • Can occur from certain medications, such as opioids
• Hernias
• Diverticulitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
• Cancers, including but not limited to
  • Stomach cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Prostate cancer
• Abdominal surgery

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Inability to have bowel movements or pass gas (complete blockage)
• Diarrhea (partial blockage)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal swelling

Diagnosis

The physician will identify the location and kind of blockage utilizing the physical examination as well as

• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• CT scan

To look for reasons or effects of the obstruction, additional blood and lab tests may be carried out, such as:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Metabolic panel