Mechanical obstruction of the bowel may be simple (one-point obstruction) or closed loop (obstruction at two points enclosing a segment of bowel). If the bowel is viable, the obstruction is termed non-strangulating. If the arterial blood supply is compromised, strangulating obstruction occurs with subsequent infarction of the bowel. Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency. Central abdominal colicky pain. Vomiting – food, bile, faeculent, depending upon the level of obstruction. Distension – degree depends on level of obstruction. There may be very little distension with high small bowel obstruction. It may be gross with low small bowel obstruction. Constipation. There may be a history of abdominal surgery to suggest adhesive obstruction. The patient may be aware of a hernia.
Intestinal Obstruction
History
Small bowel
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