Intestinal Obstruction

Front

What is intestinal obstruction?

Back

Intestinal obstruction exists when blockage prevents the normal flow of intestinal contents through the intestinal tract.

Front

What are the two types of processes that can impede intestinal flow?

Back

Mechanical obstruction and functional (or paralytic) obstruction.

Front

What is mechanical obstruction?

Back

Mechanical obstruction occurs due to extrinsic lesions from outside the intestines or intrinsic lesions within the intestines that obstruct flow.

Front

What are examples of extrinsic lesions causing mechanical obstruction?

Back

Adhesions, hernias, and abscesses.

Front

What are examples of intrinsic lesions causing mechanical obstruction?

Back

Intestinal tumors (benign and cancerous), strictures, or intraluminal lesions due to a defect in the bowel lumen.

Front

What is functional or paralytic obstruction?

Back

It occurs when the intestinal musculature cannot propel the contents along the bowel due to interruption of innervation or vascular supply.

Front

What are some examples of conditions that can cause functional obstruction?

Back

Amyloidosis, muscular dystrophy, endocrine disorders (like diabetes), or neurologic disorders (like Parkinson's disease).

Front

What can cause temporary obstruction of the bowel?

Back

Manipulation of the bowel during surgery, known as ileus.

Front

Where can obstruction occur in the intestines?

Back

Obstruction can occur in the large or small intestine and can be partial or complete.

Front

What factors determine the severity of intestinal obstruction?

Back

The region of bowel affected, the degree to which the lumen is occluded, and the degree to which the vascular supply to the bowel wall is disturbed.