Diseases

Bowel Obstructions

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Intestinal obstructions are a potentially serious condition where the intestines are blocked. If blockage occurs, food and drink cannot pass through the body. Both the small intestine and large intestine (colon) can be affected. Obstructions are Considered an emergency and may require surgery.

SYMPTOMS

The blockage may cause severe pain that comes and goes. This topic covers a blockage caused by tumors, scar tissue, or twisting or narrowing of the intestines. It does not cover ileus, which most commonly happens after surgery on the belly (abdominal surgery).

CAUSES

A strangulated hernia, which happens when part of your small intestineprotrudes through your abdominal wall. an inflammatory disease, like crohn's disease, in which swelling and scar tissue causes a narrowing of your intestine. adhesions, or scar tissue, from a previous abdominalsurgery.