Intestinal obstruction is a pathological condition characterized by the disruption of food passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Obstruction can be complete or partial.
Causes
Intestinal obstruction develops under the influence of the following factors:
- Congenital anomalies of intestinal development;
- Adhesive processes, hernias, twisting of one of the sections;
- Malignant and benign tumors;
- Obstructions in the intestinal lumen: gallstones or fecal stones, foreign bodies;
- Postoperative complications.
Diagnosis of Intestinal Obstruction in Israel
The clinical picture varies depending on the form of intestinal obstruction.
Patients most often report complaints of:
- Cramp-like pain that lacks clear localization, occurring every 10 minutes. Pain may cease after 2-3 days, indicating the cessation of intestinal motor function;
- Abdominal distension;
- Repeated profuse uncontrollable vomiting. It is characterized by a foul odor and may contain fecal particles or blood;
- Constipation and gas retention.
At the leading clinic in Israel, Ichilov, a patient will undergo a series of progressive diagnostic procedures to verify the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction:
- Vaginal or rectal examination;
- Abdominal X-ray;
- Contrast X-ray of the abdominal organs;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- Colonoscopy;
- Irrigoscopy.
In addition to taking the medical history, detailed consultations with leading specialists in gastroenterology, dietetics, and abdominal surgery are conducted at Ichilov Clinic.
Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction in Israel
If there are no signs of peritonitis, conservative treatment is possible. It involves a comprehensive approach:
- Decompression of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Correction of fluid-electrolyte balance and hypovolemia;
- Clearing and siphon enemas;
- Medication therapy with antispasmodics and anticholinesterase agents;
- Diet therapy. It involves introducing foods that enhance intestinal motility into the patient's diet. These are fiber-rich products. Meals should be taken at the same time in small portions, avoiding long intervals between meals.
If conservative treatment of intestinal obstruction is ineffective, surgical methods are employed at Ichilov Clinic:
- Detorsion – untwisting the intestine in cases of volvulus;
- De-invagination;
- Visceral lysis – the surgeon cuts adhesions if obstruction was caused by them;
- Opening the intestine and removing the obstructing body;
- Resection of the intestine if it was affected by necrosis or a tumor. If the surgeon performs a resection of the small intestine, the passage of chyme through the gastrointestinal tract is fully restored. This is achieved by creating an anastomosis between sections. Enteral feeding will be allowed for the patient only after complete restoration of intestinal patency.