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Intestinal Obstruction

 Syn. Bowel Obstruction , Obstruction bowel , Obstruction of intestine or colon

Signs & Symptoms

 Vomiting #small_bowel_obstruction #strangulation
Note: In proximal obstruction, nausea and vomiting can be relatively severe compared to distal
Ref: Uptodate [ Diagnostic approach to abdominal pain in adults] Harrison [ 2295]
Abdominal distension #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Diagnostic approach to abdominal pain in adults] Harrison [ 2295]
Colicky pain #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ History and physical examination in adults with abdominal pain] Harrison [ 2295]
Crampy pain #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ History and physical examination in adults with abdominal pain]

Physical Examination

 Abdominal distension #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Diagnostic approach to abdominal pain in adults] Harrison [ 2295]
Appear critically ill
Ref: Harrison [ 2296]
Hypotension #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Small bowel obstruction: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis] Harrison [ 2296]

Lab / Serology

 Mild hemoconcentration
Ref: Harrison [ 2296]
Radiograph reveal staircasing pattern of dilated air #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Harrison [ 2297]
Occult blood #small_bowel_obstruction
Note: can be found with intestinal neoplasm, ischemia, and intussusception
Ref: Uptodate [ Small bowel obstruction: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis]

Imagin Study

 Radiograph reveal colon dilatation #large_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Harrison [ 2297]
Radiograph reveal Differential Air-fluid Levels #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Small bowel obstruction: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis] Harrison [ 513]
Radiograph reveal little or no air seen in the colon #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Harrison [ 2297]

Complication

 Radiograph reveal Free air #Perforation
Ref: Harrison [ 2297]
Leading to strangulation #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Small bowel obstruction: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis]
Leading to necrosis #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Small bowel obstruction: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis] Harrison [ 2296]

Risk Factors

 Megacolon
Ref: Epocrates [ https://online.epocrates.com/diseases/87732/Large-bowel-obstruction/Risk-Factors]
Volvulus
Ref: Epocrates [ https://online.epocrates.com/diseases/99332/Small-bowel-obstruction/Risk-Factors]
Elder
Ref: Epocrates [ https://online.epocrates.com/diseases/87723/Large-bowel-obstruction/Epidemiology]

Cause

 Caused by inguinal hernia #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Small bowel obstruction: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis]
Caused by volvulus
Ref: Uptodate [ Differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in adults]
Caused by incisional hernia #small_bowel_obstruction
Ref: Uptodate [ Small bowel obstruction: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis]

Other