Posted: October 7th, 2023

Small Bowel Obstruction Essay

Small Bowel Obstruction Essay.

Small bowel obstructionThe small bowel (intestine) runs from the stomach and larger intestine. This long tube is responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Small bowel obstruction (SMO) occurs when a partial or complete blockage occurs in a part of the intestine. A proper functioning small bowel allows digested products to flow forward to the large intestine. A blockage will prevent some or all the contents from passing. This can lead to a buildup of stomach gases and waste matter above the obstruction. It causes stomach gases, and waste matter to accumulate at the portion of the pipe above the, and it can disrupt absorption of nutrients, fluids, or both.

Causes of small bowel obstruction
Various reasons can cause SMO to develop in persons of all ages. These factors can range from congenital abnormalities to complications from surgery. These are the common cause and risk factors for blockage on the small intestine.

Hernias: A hernia occurs when segments of an intestine breaks through a weak section in the abdominal wall to create a bulge. This bulge can press on the intestine, causing an obstruction. The abnormal bulging obstructs the bowel at the point where it pokes that an abdominal fence pinches or traps it tightly. The lump cannot move and will prevent anything from passing through. Hernias are the most frequent cause of SMO.

Adhesions: Bands of scar tissue those most likely forms after surgery of the abdomen or pelvis. These adhesions can bind the intestines together, leading to a blockage. Colorectal cancer and malignant tumors: Undiagnosed rectal or colon cancer can cause gradual narrowing of an inner passageway in the intestines to cause intermittent constipation before it develops to an obstruction. This narrowing can eventually become complete, leading to a blockage. It usually begins at the large bowel. Malignant tumors can also cause SMO through a similar pattern. They spread from the colon and other body organs such as lungs, reproductive organs or skin.

Volvulus: An abnormal twisting of a section in the bowel section around itself. This twisting can cut off the blood supply to the affected area, leading to tissue damage and obstruction. It makes the bowel to produce a closed loop with a pinched base leading to obstruction. Volvulus is very common among people of over age 65 that usually have a medical history of experiencing long-lasting constipation. Are you finding help to write an essay on small bowel obstruction? Nursingwritingservices.com will provide you with an expert writer on the topic.

Small Bowel Obstruction Diagnosis
These symptoms are indicators that the patient is likely to have a small bowel obstruction.

Abdominal cramps and pain. This pain is often described as cramping and can be severe. Bloating. The buildup of gas and fluid in the intestines can cause a feeling of fullness and pressure. Dehydration. Vomiting and inability to absorb fluids can lead to dehydration. Vomiting. This is a common symptom of SMO, as the body tries to expel the blockage. Malaise. A general feeling of unwellness and fatigue can accompany SMO. Nausea. This is often a precursor to vomiting. Lack of appetite. The pain and discomfort associated with SMO can suppress appetite. Severe constipation: Occurs in cases of completes bowel obstruction and prevents a person from passing stool (feces) or gas.
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A doctor can perform these specific tests to diagnose the existence of SMO

Request an x-ray or a CT scan can help a doctor to see the inside of the stomach and determine the size and appearance of the blockage. X-rays can show the liquid and gas bowel contents above but not below the blockage. 2. Blood test to check for loss of electrolytes like potassium or sodium or dehydration if the symptoms include vomiting

Insert a barium enema into the rectum. This procedure involves injecting a contrast agent into the rectum, which helps to visualize the intestines on an X-ray. The enema contains a special liquid with barium (whitish-silver metal) which spreads into the bowels from the rectum to show any blocked areas because it appears on X-ray as a bright section.

A colonoscopy is a medical process in which a doctor inserts a tube through the rectum to enable the doctor to view the lower intestine if he suspects an obstruction that starts at the large intestine. Passing a colonoscope also helps to untwist the intestine and relieve obstruction if volvulus is the cause.

Treatment Methods for Small Bowel Obstruction
Endoscopic stenting

A stent is a wire mesh that a doctor places into the bowel at the section with the blockage to expend the intestine and all passage of matter. This stent helps to keep the passageway open, allowing food and fluids to pass through. The pipe helps in keeping the passageway open, and some people might not need another procedure. It is a less invasive option compared to surgery. It is a process that physicians use when treating patients who are elderly, in palliative care or during an emergency.

Surgery

A doctor can operate in the form of laparoscopy or colonoscopy. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and a camera to visualize the abdomen. Colonoscopy is an insertion of this tube with a camera and light at the end into the bowel through the rectum to observe the obstruction before decompression with flatus tube. This procedure can be used to remove the blockage or repair any underlying issues. Laparoscopy is a keyhole surgery that begins with inserting a small tube with a camera and light to guide the doctor in removing adhesions and SMO.

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Tags: Adhesions, Diagnosis, Hernias, Small Bowel Obstruction, Volvulus