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Bowel Obstruction
Bowel obstruction, a dangerous blockage in the small or large intestine, demands timely diagnosis and treatment. In Houston, gastroenterologist Dr. Nghia Nguyen at GastroDoxs offers expert care—from advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures to dietary guidance for swift digestive recovery.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Scar tissue (adhesions) from previous surgeries
Hernias blocking the intestine
Tumors growing inside the bowel
Inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease
Radiation therapy-induced intestinal damage
Certain medications that slow gut motility
Signs and Symptoms
Belly cramps that come and go
Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
Difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement
Nausea or persistent vomiting
Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Bowel Obstruction with?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He evaluates your epigastric pain—onset, location, intensity—and reviews past surgeries, hernia history, tumors, Crohn's disease, and other risk factors.
Blood Tests
He orders a complete blood count to check for infection or anemia, a metabolic panel to assess electrolytes and hydration status, and lactate levels to screen for bowel ischemia.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal X-ray: Detects dilated bowel loops and air-fluid levels.
CT scan with contrast: Pinpoints the site and cause of obstruction—adhesions, mass, stricture—and evaluates for complications like strangulation.
Ultrasound: Useful in select cases (e.g., suspected hernia, pediatric patients, or when avoiding radiation).
Advanced Testing (if needed)
A nasogastric tube may be placed to decompress the stomach and confirm high-grade obstruction. Endoscopic evaluation or small-bowel follow-through studies can localize strictures or intraluminal lesions.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for bowel obstruction.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Support
Eat small meals throughout the day
Chew your food thoroughly
Maintain hydration with clear fluids
2. Medications
IV fluids to correct dehydration
Nasogastric tube placement to relieve stomach pressure
Medications for pain relief and nausea control
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopy to remove blockages or scar tissue
Laparoscopic surgery to cut adhesions or excise tumors
Stent placement to open narrowed intestinal segments
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small bowel obstruction ICD-10 code?
K56.60 is used for small bowel obstruction with no known cause. K56.69 covers other or unspecified intestinal obstruction when the cause is known but not listed elsewhere.
Can bowel obstruction be deadly?
Yes. Without prompt treatment, a blockage can cut off blood flow, damage the intestine, and lead to serious complications like perforation or sepsis.
What foods can cause a blockage?
Tough or stringy high-fiber foods—such as unchewed nuts, raw vegetables, popcorn hulls, and certain meats—can increase the risk of blockage, especially after surgery.
How long does diagnosis take?
Most patients are evaluated, imaged (X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan), and receive a diagnosis within a few hours at our Houston clinic.
Is surgery always needed?
No. Many obstructions improve with bowel rest, IV fluids, and nasogastric tube decompression. Surgery is reserved for blockages that don't resolve or show signs of strangulation.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek immediate care if you have persistent belly pain, vomiting, bloating, or cannot pass gas or stool. Early evaluation is crucial to prevent complications.
