Bowel obstruction
Also called: Intestinal obstruction
This can be a medical emergency. Seek emergency care for abdominal pain with vomiting and inability to pass wind.
A blockage stops food, fluid and gas passing through the intestine, causing colicky pain, swelling, vomiting and inability to pass wind.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Adhesions from previous surgery (most common small-bowel cause)
- Hernias
- Colorectal cancer (large bowel)
- Volvulus
- Crohn's strictures
Risk factors
- Previous abdominal surgery
- Hernia
- Bowel cancer
Symptoms
- Colicky abdominal pain
- Swollen abdomen
- Vomiting (may be faeculent)
- Unable to pass stool or wind
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- CT abdomen
- Blood tests including lactate
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Nil by mouth, IV fluids, nasogastric tube (drip and suck)
- Water-soluble contrast for adhesive obstruction
Operations and procedures
- Surgery for strangulation, hernia, tumour or failure to resolve
- Colonic stenting for malignant obstruction
Possible complications
- Bowel ischaemia and perforation
- Sepsis
- Dehydration
Prevention
- Prompt repair of hernias
Outlook
Good with timely treatment; strangulation carries higher mortality.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency care for abdominal pain with vomiting and inability to pass wind.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.