Akademik

Intestinal obstruction

Blockage of the intestine by infolding (intussusception), malformation, tumor, digestive problems, a foreign body, or inflammation. Symptoms can include crampy abdominal pain, lack of ability to eliminate normal feces, and eventually shock. On examining the abdomen, the doctor may feel a mass. Abdominal X-rays may suggest intestinal obstruction, but a barium enema may be needed to show the actual cause. Treatment depends on the cause of the obstruction. See also intussusception.

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blockage of the intestines producing symptoms of vomiting, distension, and abdominal pain; failure to pass flatus or faeces (complete constipation) is usual. The causes may be acute (e.g. hernia) or chronic (e.g. tumours, Crohn's disease). Conservative management is by nasogastric suction ('suck') and replacement of water and electrolytes ('drip'), but most cases require surgical cure by removing the underlying cause.

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blockage of the intestine due to a mechanical cause (such as volvulus) or a nonmechanical cause (such as ileus).

Medical dictionary. 2011.