Understanding Intestinal Obstruction

Scar tissue inside the belly. Scar tissue can form after surgery or after some intestinal infections. It can press on the intestine.

A hole or split in the belly wall (hernia). If you have a hernia, part of your intestine may slip through the belly wall and get pinched. Then food and fluid can’t flow through as usual.

Tumors. These can grow inside or outside the intestines. Tumors can block the intestines from the inside. Or they can press on them from the outside.

Twisting of the intestine (volvulus). The intestine can sometimes twist around on itself. This can cause a blockage.

Crohn's disease, which is an inflammatory disease.

Postoperative ileus. This is when your bowel stops working the right away after you have abdominal surgery. It may also occur after you have other types of surgery. Anesthesia and surgery temporarily slow down intestinal movement. An ileus after surgery often goes away on its own. But it may need to be treated if it lasts longer than expected.

Belly pain or cramping. This may be constant or come and go.

A feeling of fullness or bloating

Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting

Diarrhea

Constipation

Loss of fluid (dehydration)

Inability to pass gas or stool

Fever or sweating

Discomfort and bloating after meals

Removing the contents of the digestive tract above the blockage. This is done through a tube that's inserted through your nose and goes down into your stomach.

Giving fluids through an IV (intravenous) line placed in your arm or hand. This replaces fluids lost with vomiting or diarrhea. It may also be used to give you medicine, if needed.

Having surgery. For a serious intestinal obstruction, you often will need surgery to remove the blockage and fix any damage.

Placing a tube (stent) to keep an area of the large intestine (colon) open if a tumor is blockingit. This can be done during a colonoscopy.

Blood flow to the intestine may be blocked. This can cause intestinal tissue to die.

Leakage of intestine contents into the belly 

Irritation or infection in the belly cavity

Death

A new lump or bulge in the skin on your belly or groin

Vomiting that won’t stop

Inability to pass gas or stool

Swollen belly or increasing belly pain

Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

Abnormal drowsiness or confusion

Reduced urine output or extreme thirst

Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

Chills

Pain that gets worse

Symptoms that don’t get better with treatment, or symptoms that get worse

New symptoms