ADHESIVE BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

Causes, Symptoms & Advanced Surgical Treatment

Emergency Intestinal Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali

What Is Adhesive Bowel Obstruction?

Adhesive bowel obstruction is a condition where fibrous bands of tissue (adhesions) form inside the abdomen and cause blockage of the intestines. These adhesions commonly develop after previous abdominal or pelvic surgery.

It is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction.

How Abdominal Adhesions Form

Adhesions develop due to:
✔ Healing after abdominal surgery
✔ Inflammation or infection inside the abdomen
✔ Previous bowel perforation or peritonitis

Scar tissue can restrict bowel movement.

Why Adhesive Bowel Obstruction Is Serious

If untreated, obstruction can lead to:
✔ Severe bowel distension
✔ Reduced blood supply to intestine
✔ Intestinal perforation
✔ Sepsis and shock

Timely diagnosis prevents complications.

Common Causes of Adhesive Bowel Obstruction

Adhesive obstruction often occurs due to:
✔ Previous open or laparoscopic surgery
✔ Gynecological procedures
✔ Appendectomy or bowel surgery
✔ Abdominal infections
✔ Peritonitis

Surgical history is a key clue.

Risk Factors for Adhesive Obstruction

Higher risk is seen in:
✔ Patients with multiple abdominal surgeries
✔ Elderly individuals
✔ Patients with previous bowel obstruction
✔ History of abdominal infections

Risk increases with repeated surgeries.

Symptoms of Adhesive Bowel Obstruction

Patients may experience:
✔ Severe abdominal pain and cramps
✔ Abdominal bloating
✔ Vomiting
✔ Inability to pass stool or gas
✔ Dehydration
✔ Reduced appetite

Symptoms often worsen rapidly.

When Adhesive Obstruction Becomes an Emergency

Immediate care is required if there is:
✔ Persistent severe pain
✔ Continuous vomiting
✔ Fever
✔ Signs of bowel strangulation
✔ Worsening abdominal distension

Delay can be dangerous.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Diagnosis includes:
✔ Detailed clinical examination
✔ Blood tests
✔ X-ray abdomen
✔ CT scan abdomen

CT scan helps identify severity and complications.

Initial Conservative Management

Early treatment may include:
✔ Nil by mouth
✔ Nasogastric tube insertion
✔ IV fluids
✔ Electrolyte correction
✔ Close monitoring

Many cases resolve without surgery.

Surgical Treatment for Adhesive Bowel Obstruction

Surgery is required when:
✔ Conservative treatment fails
✔ Bowel strangulation is suspected
✔ Recurrent obstruction occurs
✔ Bowel viability is compromised

Procedures may include adhesiolysis.

Recovery & Long-Term Care

Post-treatment recovery involves:
✔ Gradual reintroduction of diet
✔ Early mobilization
✔ Monitoring for recurrence
✔ Lifestyle and dietary guidance

Care continues even after discharge.

Possible Complications If Untreated

Untreated obstruction may lead to:
✔ Bowel ischemia
✔ Perforation
✔ Severe infection
✔ Increased mortality

Early intervention saves lives.