Small bowel obstruction

A small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a condition within which the small intestine gets blocked.In a SBO, air, fluid, and food mire within the intestine. they can not move through the tiny intestine the way they normally would.
The intestine is partly or completely blocked in a SBO. A complete block can result in serious problems. That’s because:
• The intestine can get swollen from the trapped air, fluid, and food. This swelling can make the intestine less able to absorb fluid, which can result in dehydration and kidney failure.
• If the intestine wall tears, the fluid within the intestine can leak out. This will cause a belly infection.
• When the intestine is blocked, the blood vessels that bring oxygen to the intestine can get blocked, too. Without blood, parts of the intestine can die.
In some cases, the small intestine looks blocked on tests even when it’s not. this might be from either intestinal “ileus” or “pseudo-obstruction.” This article is just about real obstruction.

The most common causes of a SBO are:
• Past surgery within the belly – After surgery, scar tissue can form within the belly and press on the intestine.
• Hernias – A hernia is an opening in the muscle or tissue that covers the muscle. a part of the intestine can slide through that opening and get trapped in a hernia.
• Twisting of the intestines
• Tumor – Tumors (cancerous and noncancerous) can grow inside or outside the intestine and block it.

Symptoms rely upon where your intestine is blocked and how much blocked it is. the most common symptoms are:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Belly pain
• Belly swelling and bloating
• Not having the ability to have a bowel movement or pass gas

Yes. Your Gastroenterologist will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. If your Gastroenterologist thinks that you just have a SBO, he or she is going to do imaging tests of your belly and chest and blood tests.
The imaging tests can include a X-ray, CT scan, or a series of X-rays called a “GI series.” For the CT scan and GI series, you may drink a liquid called “contrast” beforehand. The contrast will show up on the CT scan or X-rays. It can help the Gastroenterologist see what’s causing the blockage.

Treatment depends on the blockage and your symptoms.
If you have got a SBO, you may be treated within the hospital. Your Gastroenterologist will offer you fluids and medicines. you may not be allowed to eat or drink. you may also get a nasogastric tube. This is often a thin tube that goes in your nose, down your esophagus, and into your stomach. The tube can suck up the fluid and air in your stomach. This may make your stomach feel better and help keep you from vomiting.
Most people will not need any other treatment. That’s because, many times, a SBO can this is on its own. This is often the case for a partial SBO, or a SBO that is going on after earlier belly surgery.