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A bowel obstruction can either be a mechanical or functional obstruction. It most commonly affects the small bowel but however, but both the small and large intestines can be affected. The obstruction occurs when the lumen of the bowel becomes either partially or completely blocked. Here we discuss more regarding the medical and surgical management of small bowel obstruction.
OBSTRUCTION SYMPTOMS
Patients usually complain of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation-to-obstipation, and distention. Bowel obstruction can be either partial or complete or closed loop. A closed-loop obstruction refers to a type of obstruction in the small bowel in which there is complete obstruction distally and proximally in the given segment of the intestine. This will require immediate intervention to prevent perforation or sepsis in the future.
The bowel sounds may be reduced and high-pitched. Abdominal tenderness on physical examination may be diffuse or focal with the presence of distention. There may be signs of peritonitis such as rebound, guarding, and rigidity and signify late findings that may be present depending on the time of presentation.
OBSTRUCTION CAUSES
The most common cause of small bowel obstruction is adhesions due to prior surgery or due to congenital bands. Other causes include hernia, stricture, and tumors. Various infections like tuberculosis is also known to cause persistent small bowel obstruction-like symptoms. Patients who have had bariatric surgery are especially vulnerable to bowel obstruction because of spaces that are created in the abdomen due to loss of fat within the abdomen leading to herniation and this usually needs specialists for evaluation and treatment.
There are other causes which include severe diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, scarring due to previous infections, and metastasis due to cancer spread in the abdomen. Patients who have had radiation to the abdomen can also have obstructive symptoms because of stricture.
OBSTRUCTION PREVENTION
There are a few prevention methods that can help you to keep the bowel soft and smooth most of them are mentioned below:
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Eat fewer carbohydrates and less sugar.
- Eat healthy fats like olive oil, and fish oil (consuming healthy fats keeps your gallbladder empty)
- Do regular exercise and keep your body fit.OBSTRUCTION DIAGNOSIS
There are many diagnosis processes for the obstruction: plain abdominal x-ray will identify dilated loops of the bowel. Computed tomography will provide a better picture of the cause for obstruction and also help in the diagnosis of closed-loop obstruction and the emergent need for surgery.
There are multiple methods to diagnose your gallstone, they are:
- X-ray Abdomen
- Computed tomography scan (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Diagnostic Laparoscopy
- Exploratory LaparotomyOBSTRUCTION TREATMENT
The obstruction treatment varies depending on the cause of the obstruction. In some cases, just the nasogastric tube and decompression itself will relieve the obstruction. In serious cases, they will need surgery to relieve the obstruction.
Our team of highly experienced surgeons and specialists are known to perform such surgeries for years. We are known for providing best-in-class medical treatment to our patients. If you are facing any symptoms consult our specialists or visit us.
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Surgery
There are two types of surgeries that are offered for patients suffering from obstruction or diseases related to obstructive symptoms. The most common type of surgery is exploratory laparotomy. Broadly these surgeries based on the technique can be classified as OPEN SURGERY and MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY.
OPEN SURGERY- OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Open surgery involves an open technique called Exploratory laparotomy. Here an incision is made on the middle of the abdomen called a midline incision. The abdomen is entered and the abdomen is evaluated. The entire abdomen is evaluated including the Liver, stomach, spleen, small bowel, large bowel, and pelvic organs. The cause is identified and appropriate surgery is performed which is either resection of the segment of bowel or bypass surgery.
Open surgery is usually more painful than minimally invasive surgeries. But there are various medications that we use to help you have better pain control.
For this surgery, you may need a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, PT, PTT. Depending on your medical history, we may require additional testing: chest X-Ray, EKG, medical clearance from your primary care physician, cardiac clearance from your cardiologist, additional blood work, and finally Anesthesiology clearance.
We recommend that you have your blood work done before having the surgery performed. If this is not possible, please notify the surgical scheduling team at 8884200030.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY- DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY
Laparoscopic surgery involves a minimally invasive technique. Here we make small 5 mm incisions on the abdomen and small 10 mm incisions near or at the umbilical area. The abdomen is evaluated. The entire abdomen is evaluated including the Liver, stomach, spleen, small bowel, large bowel, and pelvic organs. The cause is identified and appropriate surgery is performed which is either resection of the segment of bowel or bypass surgery. In some situations, a small abdominal incision is made to complete the resection and other procedures as and when it is needed.
Laparoscopic surgeries are usually less painful than open surgeries. We still give you pain medications and nerve blocks so that you feel comfortable and are able to walk about six hours after the surgery.
For this surgery, you may need a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, PT, PTT. Depending on your medical history, your physician may require additional testing: chest X-Ray, EKG, medical clearance from your primary care physician, cardiac clearance from your cardiologist, additional blood work, and finally Anesthesiology clearance.
We recommend that you have your blood work done before having the surgery performed. If this is not possible, please notify the surgical scheduling team at 8884200030.
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Patient education
BEFORE SURGERY
Please refer to the instructions below in preparation for your surgery. Proper preparation is essential to obtain the best surgical experience and results. Please note that failure to follow these instructions may result in rescheduling your surgery. Our team will contact each patient directly and will be available to answer any additional questions about surgery, scheduling, and instructions.
PRE-OPERATIVE TESTING
You may need a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, PT, PTT. Depending on your medical history, your physician may require additional testing: chest X-Ray, EKG, medical clearance from your primary care physician, cardiac clearance from your cardiologist, blood work, and anesthesiology clearance.
We recommend that you have your blood work done at the hospital where you are having the surgery performed.Please download the instructions below if you need any further instructions, please notify the surgical scheduling team at 8884200030
OUR SPECIALISTS
We, at MH Surgery Clinic, comprise a team of the best surgeons who are globally recognized in their field. They have immense expertise in the management and diagnosis of multiple conditions, and in the innovation of minimally invasive surgery techniques. Our doctors provide a personalized approach for each patient, depending on their condition, thereby giving advanced surgical solutions. So, if you are suffering from obstruction, then MH Surgery Clinic is the best place for your surgery with the diagnosis of bowel obstruction
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why us?
Our minimally invasive Surgeons are well known internationally in their field. They are experts in the diagnosis and management of various conditions and the innovation of minimally invasive surgery techniques. Our team provides a personalized approach for each patient, offering advanced surgical solutions. Our surgeons educate physicians on innovative techniques through national, and international presentations and web-based seminars