| Theme |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction: Timing in Consulting a Surgeon |
| Title |
Intestinal Obstructions and Ileus: Pathophysiology and Differential Diagnosis |
| Author |
Kota Okinaga |
Department of Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Miki Adachi |
Department of Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Toshiki Ajimura |
Department of Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Keiji Matsuda |
Department of Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Intestinal obstruction can be broadly defined as any interference with the normal, proximal to distal passage of intestinal contents. In mechanical obstruction, there is an actual physical blockage of the intestinal lumen. Nonmechanical or functional obstructions are defined as conditions where there is inadequate propulsive motility of the bowel, despite an open lumen. Obstructions can be in the small or the large bowel. In cases of simple mechanical obstruction, there is blockage of the bowel wall, while with strangulation obstructions, blood flow to the obstructed segment is compromised. The majority of small bowel obstructions are caused by postoperative adhesions and most of them are simple obstructions, including some strangulation obstructions. A diagnosis of strangulation has crucial significance in clinical practice. For strangulation obstructions, urgent surgical intervention is mandatory. Most large bowel obstructions are caused by colon cancers. |