Acute Intestinal Obstruction – Causes, Symptoms & Modern Surgical Management in Thane
Acute intestinal obstruction is a medical and surgical emergency where the normal flow of food, fluids, and gas through the intestines becomes blocked. This blockage can be partial or complete, and if not treated early, it may cause bowel death, perforation, severe infection, or life-threatening complications.
At Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic and Aayush Multispeciality Hospital, we provide prompt evaluation, high-end imaging, and modern laparoscopic solutions for all forms of intestinal obstruction.
🔍 What Is Intestinal Obstruction?
It occurs when the small intestine or large intestine gets blocked due to mechanical or functional reasons.
Types of Obstruction
✔ Mechanical Obstruction – physical blockage
✔ Functional (Ileus) – bowel stops moving, no physical blockage
Common Sites
- Small intestine
- Large intestine (colon)
Both require rapid diagnosis and timely management.
⚠️ Common Causes of Intestinal Obstruction
1️⃣ Adhesions (Post-Surgery Scar Tissue)
Most common cause, especially after abdominal or pelvic surgeries.
2️⃣ Hernias
A trapped loop of intestine can block blood supply → emergency condition.
3️⃣ Intestinal Tumors
Both benign and cancerous growths may obstruct the bowel.
4️⃣ Volvulus (Twisting of Intestine)
Often seen in elderly; requires immediate surgery.
5️⃣ Intussusception
A segment of intestine slides into another; more common in children.
6️⃣ Impacted Stool / Severe Constipation
7️⃣ Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s)
8️⃣ Strictures
Due to infection, TB, surgery, or radiation.
🩺 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Patients typically experience:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Persistent vomiting (sometimes greenish or fecal-like)
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- High fever in late stages
- Rapid heart rate
- Weakness or dizziness
- Dehydration
- Loud bowel sounds → later silent abdomen (danger sign)
Because obstruction worsens quickly, early diagnosis is critical.
🧪 Diagnostic Tests for Intestinal Obstruction
1. Clinical Examination
A surgeon may find:
- Distended abdomen
- Absent or high-pitched bowel sounds
- Tenderness or guarding
2. X-Ray Abdomen
Shows:
- Air-fluid levels
- Distended bowel loops
3. CT Scan Abdomen (CECT)
Identifies:
- Exact site of obstruction
- Cause (adhesion, hernia, tumor)
- Complications (necrosis, perforation)
4. Ultrasound Abdomen
Useful in volvulus, intussusception, fluid detection.
5. Blood Tests
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Dehydration
- Infection markers
💊 Treatment Options for Intestinal Obstruction
1️⃣ Initial Stabilization
- IV fluids
- Electrolyte correction
- Nasogastric tube insertion (to decompress the stomach)
- Pain & nausea control
- Close monitoring in hospital
🩻 Surgical Management
Depending on the cause, surgery may be required urgently.
✔ Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis
Cutting scar tissue to free the intestines.
✔ Hernia Repair
Emergency repair to prevent bowel death.
✔ Resection & Anastomosis
Removing dead or blocked bowel segment and joining ends.
✔ Tumor Removal
In cancer-related obstruction, surgical removal may be needed.
✔ Volvulus Correction
Untwisting or removing the affected segment.
✔ Stoma Formation (if required)
In severe infections or perforation.
Laparoscopic surgery is preferred whenever safe, as it offers faster recovery and less pain.
🛑 Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Surgery
Seek urgent care if you experience:
⚠ Increasing pain
⚠ Persistent vomiting
⚠ Severe bloating
⚠ Fever with abdominal pain
⚠ Blood in stools
⚠ No passage of gas or stool for >24 hours
⚠ Fainting or low blood pressure
These signs may indicate bowel strangulation or gangrene.
👨⚕️ Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
- Specialist in advanced laparoscopic abdominal surgery
- Experienced in managing complex intestinal obstructions
- Quick diagnosis with high-quality imaging
- Emergency surgical care available
- Entire care plan from diagnosis to recovery under one roof
- Patient-centric approach with full guidance
📍 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic (Full Address)
Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📌 Google Maps Full Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dr+Ankur+Surgical+Clinic+-+Dr+Ankur+Bhanushali/@19.186983,72.975752,17z
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🏥 Aayush Multispeciality Hospital (Full Address)
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital, Balkum Pada No. 2, Near Vitawa Bridge, Thane West, Maharashtra – 400608
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://aayushmultispecialityhospital.com
📌 Google Maps Full Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aayush+Multispeciality+Hospital/@19.218332,72.983420,17z
Email: drankur.bhanushali@gmail.com
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/surgeon_dr_ankur_bhanushali
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ankur-bhanushali-b85aab2a6/
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 Online Booking: https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
