Presentation
When diverticulitis causes obstruction, perforation is often present. Removal of the involved area may be very difficult but is indicated if perforation and general peritonitis are present. [msdmanuals.com]
Skin
- Ulcer
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are 2 examples. Diverticulitis. Tiny pouches (diverticulae) can grow off the large intestine lining. These may become inflamed. Tumors. Growths may be cancer or harmless (benign). [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Obstruction Location Cause Colon Tumors (usually in left colon), diverticulitis (usually in sigmoid), volvulus of sigmoid or cecum, fecal impaction, Hirschsprung disease, Crohn disease Duodenum Adults Cancer of the duodenum or cancer of the head of pancreas, ulcer [msdmanuals.com]
Neurologic
- Irritability
This condition means that something irritates the lining of the intestine. It may cause inflammation, infection, and scarring, which can lead to blockage. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
- Hyperactivity
Hyperactive, high-pitched peristalsis with rushes coinciding with cramps is typical. Sometimes, dilated loops of bowel are palpable. With infarction, the abdomen becomes tender and auscultation reveals a silent abdomen or minimal peristalsis. [msdmanuals.com]
Workup
Colonoscopy
- Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are 2 examples. Diverticulitis. Tiny pouches (diverticulae) can grow off the large intestine lining. These may become inflamed. Tumors. Growths may be cancer or harmless (benign). [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Treatment
Treatment Treatment for intestinal obstruction depends on the cause of your condition, but generally requires hospitalization. [mayoclinic.org]
During cancer treatment. Some people with cancer may need an ostomy while they are receiving other cancer treatments. You may need help caring for your ostomy if you are too tired or sick after a treatment. [cancer.net]
You’ll most likely need to go to the hospital for treatment. [webmd.com]
These may include: Abdominal X-ray Barium contrast study CT scan MRI Contrast fluoroscopy Treatment The treatment your healthcare provider recommends will depend on what is causing the blockage. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Treatment of acute intestinal obstruction must proceed simultaneously with diagnosis. A surgeon should always be involved. [msdmanuals.com]
Prevention
Complications of intestinal obstruction include: Pain Constipation Loss of appetite Inability to keep food or fluids down Fever Infection Tear (perforation) of the intestine Death (rare) Prevention Abdominal adhesions that occur after surgery may be prevented [hopkinsmedicine.org]
In the meantime, you'll likely be given food through a nasogastric tube or an IV to prevent malnutrition. [mayoclinic.org]
Procedures to prevent recurrence should be done, including repair of hernias, removal of foreign bodies, and lysis of the offending adhesions. [msdmanuals.com]