What Is Bowel Obstruction?
Bowel obstruction is a condition associated with the inability to pass food, fluids or gas through a small or large intestine (ICD-10: K56.6). The blockage causes vomiting, swelling, nausea and abdominal pain. Failure to treat it in time may lead to tissue death or severe infection.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Adhesions (scar tissue) from past abdominal surgery
- Hernias in the abdominal wall
- Tumors or growths within the intestines
- Volvulus (twisting of the bowel)
- Inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis
- Radiation therapy to the abdomen
- Gynecologic surgery or endometriosis (in women)
Signs and Symptoms
- Crampy or sharp abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
- Abdominal bloating or distension
- Rapid heartbeat or dehydration in severe cases
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Bowel Obstruction?
Dr. Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He examines your medical history, previous surgical procedures on the abdomen, risk factors, and timeline of symptoms and carefully examines the abdomen.
Imaging Studies
- Abdominal X-rays to detect air-fluid levels and pinpoint blockage sites.
- CT scans to know the precise position, cause and magnitude of the impediment.
Blood Tests
Our checks involve monitoring infection, electrolyte disturbances, dehydration and general metabolic condition.
Contrast Studies
Enteroclysis or bowel follow-through is a small bowel track that can be used to map out the obstruction to help plan the treatment.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
There are times when endoscopic assessment or other special image order can be done to elucidate complex cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bowel obstruction?
A bowel obstruction refers to an obstruction that is a block comfortably of the small or large intestine that fails to allow the passage of food or gases. Dr. Rishi Chadha is the management of this emergency in Houston.
What is the cause of bowel obstruction?
The most common would be scar tissue due to the surgeries, hernias, tumors, inflammation caused by the Crohn disease or impacted stool. Dr. Imaging and labs are the cause identified by Chadha.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms include acute pain in the belly, vomiting, bloating, passing of stool or gas and swelling. In case you get these, consult Dr. Chadha at once.
Bowel obstruction: is this a medical emergency?
Yes. Obstructions may cause bowel death or rupture, which is untreated. Dr. Chadha offers timely diagnosis and organizes surgery or non-surgery.
How is it diagnosed?
Dr. Chadha examines the abdominal X-rays, CT scans and blood work to determine the site and the cause of the obstruction.
Which are the treatments?
It can be treated through the use of IV fluids, bowel rest, nasogastric tubes, and surgery (in some cases). Dr. Chadha collaborates with the surgical teams when these are necessary.
Is there bowel obstruction which could be treated without surgery?
Yes in my opinion - particularly when the obstruction is partial. Dr. The first approach Chadha employs is the conservative approach, which is safe and suitable.
What is the food I should take after recovery?
Low-fiber or liquid diet may be prescribed by Dr. Chadha as the patient is healing up. Post discharge visits will assist in managing the safety of a regainment of bowel.
Can it happen again?
Yes. Individuals who have had previous obstructions, hernias or some kind of condition might be at risk and Dr. Chadha gives an instruction that should help lessen the occurrence.
What do I do with Dr. Chadha?
Contact GastroDoxs at Houston and plan a follow-up with Dr. Chadha as a long-term treatment of bowel problems and constant digestive stability.