Bowel obstruction

Symptoms of an obstructed bowel include abdominal pain, which is typically colicky in nature.  The pain is around the umbilicus if the mid gut is affected or low down in the abdomen if the large bowel is affected.  The patient may also report abdominal swelling (distension), vomiting and constipation.

On admission to hospital the patient will have a number of blood tests and x-rays, which will indicate the site of the pathology.  The patient will require decompression with a stomach drainage tube and treatment with a drip.  In some instances the problem will settle without recourse to surgery but there are times when surgery is indicated, sooner rather than later.