“What surgery is done for bowel obstruction?”
I was diagnosed with bowel obstruction. What surgery is done for bowel obstruction?
4 Answers
It depends on the cause of the obstruction- If there is a mass, the mass can be removed. If there is scar tissue, the scar tissue is cut to release the obstruction. If there is a twisting of the intestines, the twist is undone.
Lysis of adhesion and possibly bowel resection, if any bowel is compromised, that is, ischemic or dead.
If you have had previous surgery, then you are at risk for developing a bowel obstruction at some point in your life, it may be 30+ years after the initial operation. If you've had an obstruction, and are not in life threatening danger (i.e. there is no bowel compromise) then a nasogastric tube is placed and the bowel is decompressed for 24-48 hrs. If there is no passage of gas from your bottom, and/or your symptoms worsen, you need surgery to cut the scar tissue and free the intestines. This can also be done when you are recovered completely, as an elective procedure. The caveat is that any surgery will then produce further scar tissue, so there is no guarantee this doesn't recur, unfortunately.
It depends on the cause of the obstruction. If it is scar tissue, then a lysis of adhesions is done. If there is a mass or stricture, then bowel is resected.
