Intestinal obstruction, volvulus

Title: Intestinal obstruction, volvulus

Intestinal obstruction is a disruption of the normal movement of intestinal contents through the gastrointestinal tract. There is dynamic and mechanical obstruction.

Dynamic obstruction occurs due to impaired intestinal motility. It may be spastic or paralytic. The paralytic form develops with infectious-toxic diseases, disorders of intestinal innervation, hypokalemia, hypoproteinemia.

With mechanical obstruction, obstruction (blockage) or strangulation (strangulation) of the intestine occurs. Obstructive obstruction occurs due to a tumor, foreign body, or fecal stones. With the strangulation form, the blood supply to the intestine is disrupted, which leads to necrosis of its wall.

The main symptoms of intestinal obstruction are severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, lack of stool and gas. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and abdominal radiography.

Treatment is initially conservative - intestinal decompression, restoration of water and electrolyte balance. If ineffective, surgery is indicated to eliminate the cause of the obstruction. The prognosis depends on the timeliness of treatment.

Volvulus is a type of acute intestinal obstruction in which the intestinal loop is twisted around its mesentery. This leads to impaired blood circulation in the intestine and the development of necrosis of its wall. Volvulus most often occurs in the small intestine, less often in the sigmoid. Causes: adhesions in the abdominal cavity, prolonged constipation, abdominal trauma.

The main symptoms of volvulus are sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating. The only treatment is surgical - urgent surgery to straighten the volvulus or resection of the affected area of ​​the intestine. The prognosis depends on the rate of development of necrosis of the intestinal wall.