Bowel Obstruction

Patients with a bowel obstruction are unable to pass digested food though their intestines. Some typical causes of this problem include abdominal adhesions that form after a surgical procedure, constipation related to dehydration or other reasons, inflammation within the intestine as a result of Crohn’s or another inflammatory bowel disease, and an intestinal hernia. Other possible causes include diverticulitis, impacted feces, a twisted colon and colon cancer. Intestinal blockages require prompt medical evaluation and treatment to avoid complications such as infection and the death of tissues that are deprived of their blood supply. Treatments for a bowel obstruction may include an air or barium enema, dietary modifications and surgery to either remove the obstruction or place a metal stent in the intestine.