Intestinal or bowel obstruction - discharge
Repair of volvulus - discharge; Reduction of intussusception - discharge; Release of adhesions - discharge; Hernia repair - discharge; Tumor resection - dischargeYou were in the hospital because you had a blockage in your bowel (intestine). This condition is called an intestinal obstruction. The blockage may have been partial or total (complete).
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel. The contents of the intestine cannot pass through it.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleThis article describes what to expect after surgery and how to take care of yourself at home.
When You're in the Hospital
While in the hospital, you received intravenous (IV) fluids. You also may have had a tube placed through your nose and into your stomach. You may have received antibiotics.
Intravenous
Intravenous means "within a vein. " Most often it refers to giving medicines or fluids through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. This allows th...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleIf you did not have surgery, your health care providers slowly began to give you liquids by mouth, and then food.
If you needed surgery, you may have had part of your large or small intestine removed. Your surgeon may have been able to sew the healthy ends of your intestines back together. You may also have had an ileostomy or a colostomy.
Ileostomy
An ileostomy is used to move waste out of the body. This surgery is done when the colon or rectum is not working properly. The word "ileostomy" come...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleColostomy
Colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings one end of the large intestine out through an opening (stoma) made in the abdominal wall. Stools movin...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleIf a tumor or cancer caused the blockage in your intestine, your surgeon may have removed it. Or, it may have been bypassed by routing your intestine around it.
Tumor
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleWhat to Expect at Home
If you had surgery:
The outcome is usually good if the obstruction is treated before tissue damage or tissue death occurs in the bowel. Some people may have more bowel obstructions in the future.
If you did not have surgery:
Your symptoms may be completely gone. Or, you may still have some discomfort, and your stomach may still feel bloated. There is a chance your intestine may become blocked again.
Self-care
Follow instructions for how to take care of yourself at home.
Eat small amounts of food several times a day. Do not eat 3 large meals. You should:
- Space out your small meals.
- Add new foods back into your diet slowly.
- Take sips of clear liquids throughout the day.
Some foods may cause gas, loose stools, or constipation as you recover. Avoid foods that cause these problems.
If you become sick to your stomach or have diarrhea, avoid solid foods for a while and try drinking only clear fluids.
Your surgeon may want you to limit exercise or strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Ask your surgeon what activities are OK for you to do.
If you have had an ileostomy or a colostomy, a nurse will tell you how to care for it.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your surgeon if you have:
-
Vomiting or nausea
Vomiting or nausea
Nausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up forces the contents of the stomach up t...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Diarrhea that does not go away
- Pain that does not go away or is getting worse
- A swollen or tender belly
- Little or no gas or stools to pass
- Fever or chills
Chills
Chills refers to feeling cold after being in a cold environment. The word can also refer to an episode of shivering along with paleness and feeling ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Blood in your stool
Blood in your stool
The stool guaiac test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself. It is a common type ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
References
Galandiuk S, Netz U, Morpurgo E, Tosato SM, Abu-Freha N, Ellis CT. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 52.
Mustain WC, Turnage RH. Intestinal obstruction. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 123.
Review Date: 9/30/2024
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.