Intestinal obstruction

Bowel obstruction
Synonyms	intestinal obstruction

Upright abdominal X-ray demonstrating a small bowel obstruction. Note multiple air fluid levels.
Classification and external resources
Specialty	General surgery
ICD-10	K56
ICD-9-CM	560
DiseasesDB	15838
MedlinePlus	000260
MeSH	D007415
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Bowel obstruction, also known as intestinal obstruction, is a mechanical or functional obstruction of the intestines which prevents the normal movement of the products of digestion. Either the small bowel or large bowel may be affected. Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, and not passing gas. Mechanical obstruction is the cause of about 5 to 15% of cases of severe abdominal pain of sudden onset requiring admission to hospital.

Causes of bowel obstruction include adhesions, hernias, volvulus, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, tumors, diverticulitis, ischemic bowel, tuberculosis, and intussusception. Small bowel obstructions are most often due to adhesions and hernias while large bowel obstructions are most often due to tumors and volvulus. The diagnosis may be made on plain X-rays; however, CT scan is more accurate.Ultrasound or MRI may help in the diagnosis of children or pregnant women.