Bowel Obstruction
Partial or complete blockage of intestinal contents through the small or large bowel, caused by mechanical or functional problems.
The clinical context of Bowel Obstruction lies mainly in gastroenterology; understanding it requires relating the term to symptoms, anatomy, physiology and the patient's medical history.
How bowel obstruction presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of bowel obstruction starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for bowel obstruction is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with bowel obstruction varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
How bowel obstruction presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of bowel obstruction starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for bowel obstruction is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with bowel obstruction varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor for any health concern.