Imagine you're enjoying a weekend of tranquility when suddenly a sharp abdominal pain looms over with bloating and nausea. This may not just be an ordinary stomach ache, but a warning sign of an intestinal obstruction – a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Every year, tens of thousands of middle-aged and elderly people are rushed to the hospital because of intestinal obstruction. This can be life-threatening if left untreated. Understanding the causes and preventive measures of intestinal obstruction is essential for everyone.
Causes of intestinal obstruction
1. Mechanical obstruction: a crisis of physical obstruction
Mechanical obstruction is the most common type of intestinal obstruction and occurs when the intestine is blocked by solid material such as tumors, stones, or adhesions that form after surgery. This type of obstruction can be divided into several specific situations:
Postoperative adhesions: Surgery is a sign of medical advancement, but postoperative adhesions are a common side effect of surgery. About 75% of patients with abdominal surgery will develop some degree of adhesion that can be the source of obstruction at any time in the future.
Volvulus (irritable bowel syndrome): This is an acute condition in which the intestines twist like a towel, and in severe cases, the blood supply is cut off, requiring urgent surgery.
Intussusception: Rarely, one part of the intestine slips into another adjacent part, more common in infants and young children, but older people are not immune.
If left undiagnosed and treated, these problems can not only cause pain but can also trigger more serious health crises, such as intestinal perforation or infection.
2. Functional obstruction: a hidden threat
Unlike mechanical obstruction, functional obstruction refers to the absence of physical obstruction of the intestine and rather poor motor function due to nerve or muscle dysfunction in the intestine. Common causes include:
Electrolyte imbalance: An imbalance of electrolytes in the body, such as potassium and sodium, can cause the intestinal muscles to not contract properly, causing obstruction.
Delayed recovery of bowel function after surgery: After surgery, especially after major abdominal surgery, the bowel may need time to return to normal motor function, during which functional obstruction may occur.
This type of obstruction is complicated to treat because of the need to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of the dysfunction and manage it symptomatically.
Treatment of intestinal obstruction: coping strategies and surgical intervention
Non-surgical treatment: preferred strategy
In the early stages of intestinal obstruction, non-surgical treatment is usually preferred. This includes several key steps aimed at reducing the patient's discomfort and attempting to relieve the obstruction.
1. Fasting and gastrointestinal decompression
Fasting is necessary to reduce the burden on the intestines and prevent further accumulation of contents. At the same time, aspiration of gastric contents through a nasogastric tube helps reduce gastrointestinal pressure and relieve symptoms.
2. Rehydration and electrolyte adjustment
Patients often face dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to vomiting and lack of intake. Intravenous fluids and necessary electrolytes are given to support a stable environment in the body in preparation for possible surgical treatment.
3. Medication
Antibiotics are used to prevent or treat possible infections. For some types of functional obstruction, drugs such as prokinetics are used to help restore bowel movements.
Surgical treatment: a radical solution
Surgical intervention becomes necessary when non-surgical treatment is ineffective or when the situation is urgent. The purpose of surgery is to directly remove the blockage, repair the damaged part, and restore intestinal function.
1. Indications and timing of surgery
These include persistent obstruction, increased risk of intestinal necrosis, or perforation. The timing of surgery is crucial to the patient's recovery.
2. Commonly used surgical methods
Intestinal resection: removal of obstructed passages, such as due to tumors or severe adhesions.
Fistula placement: Used when the obstruction cannot be completely relieved to relieve pressure.
Volvulus correction: Physically correct the torsion part to restore intestinal patency.
3. Postoperative management
Postoperative management includes restoring bowel function, preventing infection, and monitoring for potential complications. Patients need to gradually resume their diet, gradually transition from liquid to solid foods, and require regular medical evaluation.
Prevention of intestinal obstruction: lifestyle and monitoring
Precautions in everyday life
Prevention of intestinal obstruction can begin with changes in daily habits, mainly through diet and physical examinations.
1. Dietary advice
High-fiber diet: Fiber can help food move through the intestines, prevent constipation, and reduce the chance of obstruction. This includes eating whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
Adequate water intake: Maintain proper water intake to support the role of fiber and promote gut health.
2. Regular medical check-ups
Timely detection and treatment of abdominal tumors, inflammation, or other pathologies that may lead to intestinal obstruction is essential for regular check-ups. Monitoring is carried out by:
Imaging tests: Regular abdominal ultrasounds or CT scans, such as regular abdominal scans, can help your doctor detect any abnormalities in the intestines, including tumors, polyps or inflammation.
Fecal occult blood test: Regular fecal occult blood testing can help detect early signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, which may be an indicator of intestinal disease.
Lifestyle management: Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and maintaining an appropriate weight can help reduce the risk of intestinal disease.
Regular check-ups: Establishing a regular check-up schedule with your doctor can help you detect and treat any underlying bowel health problems early to reduce the risk of intestinal obstruction.