Posted: October 7th, 2023

Small Bowel Obstruction Essay

Small Bowel Obstruction Essay.

Small bowel obstructionThe small bowel (intestine) runs from the stomach and larger intestine. The small bowel plays a crucial role in the digestive system, and any blockage can have severe consequences. Small bowel obstruction (SMO) occurs when a partial or complete blockage occurs in a part of the intestine. A proper functioning allows digested products to flow forward to the large intestine, but an obstruction will prevent some or all the contents from passing. The blockage can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It causes stomach gases, and waste matter to accumulate at the portion of the pipe above the, and it can disrupt absorption of nutrients, fluids, or both.

Causes of small bowel obstruction
Various reasons can cause SMO to develop in persons of all ages. These causes can be broadly classified into mechanical and non-mechanical obstruction. These are the common cause and risk factors for blockage on the small intestine.

Hernias: A hernia occurs when segments of an intestine breaks through a weak section in the abdominal wall to create a bulge. The hernia can be congenital or acquired, and it can occur at any age. The abnormal bulging obstructs the bowel at the point where it pokes that an abdominal fence pinches or traps it tightly. The lump cannot move and will prevent anything from passing through. Hernias are the most frequent cause of SMO.

Adhesions: Bands of scar tissue those most likely forms after surgery of the abdomen or pelvis. Adhesions can also form after inflammation or infection in the abdominal cavity. Colorectal cancer and malignant tumors: Undiagnosed rectal or colon cancer can cause gradual narrowing of an inner passageway in the intestines to cause intermittent constipation before it develops to an obstruction. It usually begins at the large bowel. Malignant tumors can also cause SMO through a similar pattern. They spread from the colon and other body organs such as lungs, reproductive organs or skin.

Volvulus: An abnormal twisting of a section in the bowel section around itself. Volvulus can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults. It makes the bowel to produce a closed loop with a pinched base leading to obstruction. Volvulus is very common among people of over age 65 that usually have a medical history of experiencing long-lasting constipation.

Small Bowel Obstruction Diagnosis
These symptoms are indicators that the patient is likely to have a small bowel obstruction. A prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Abdominal cramps and pain.
Bloating.
Dehydration.
Vomiting.
Malaise.
Nausea.
Lack of appetite.
Severe constipation: Occurs in cases of completes bowel obstruction and prevents a person from passing stool (feces) or gas.

A doctor can perform these specific tests to diagnose the existence of SMO. A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential in diagnosing SMO.

Request an x-ray or a CT scan can help a doctor to see the inside of the stomach and determine the size and appearance of the blockage. X-rays show the liquid and gas bowel contents above but not below the blockage. The imaging studies can also help identify the cause of the obstruction.

Blood test to check for loss of electrolytes like potassium or sodium or dehydration if the symptoms include vomiting. The blood test can also help identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the obstruction.

Insert a barium enema into the rectum. The enema contains a special liquid with barium (whitish-silver metal) which spreads into the bowels from the rectum to show any blocked areas because it appears on X-ray as a bright section.

A colonoscopy is a medical process in which a doctor inserts a tube through the rectum to enable the doctor to view the lower intestine if he suspects an obstruction that starts at the large intestine. Passing a colonoscope also helps to untwist the intestine and relieve obstruction if volvulus is the cause.

Treatment Methods for Small Bowel Obstruction
Endoscopic stenting

A stent is a wire mesh that a doctor places into the bowel at the section with the blockage to expend the intestine and all passage of matter. The stent can be placed through an endoscope, which is a minimally invasive procedure. The pipe helps in keeping the passageway open, and some people might not need another procedure. It is a process that physicians use when treating patients who are elderly, in palliative care or during an emergency.

Surgery

A doctor can operate in the form of laparoscopy or colonoscopy. The choice of surgery depends on the cause and severity of the obstruction. Colonoscopy is an insertion of this tube with a camera and light at the end into the bowel through the rectum to observe the obstruction before decompression with flatus tube. Laparoscopy is a keyhole surgery that begins with inserting a small tube with a camera and light to guide the doctor in removing adhesions and SMO.

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Tags: Abdominal Pain, Bowel Surgery, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Hernias, Intestinal Blockage