Surgery treatment of intestinal obstruction

Surgical interventions in the inpatient department are covered by the loyalty program, which makes treatment even more affordable.

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the intestine, as a result of which the elimination of fecal masses from the body stops. The patient’s condition worsens sharply within 12–24 hours and without surgical treatment poses a life-threatening risk.

At “Oxford Medical”, patients with intestinal obstruction are admitted 24/7. The medical center operates a round-the-clock intensive care unit, surgical inpatient department, and ambulance service.

Treatment of intestinal obstruction is performed:

• Laparoscopic method – a minimally invasive surgery that allows avoiding a wide incision. Several punctures are made on the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope equipped with an LED and a miniature video camera, as well as endoscopic instruments, are inserted.

• Laparotomic method – a traditional open-access surgery through a wide incision in the peritoneum. It may be required in complex forms of intestinal obstruction and in the presence of complications.

If symptoms of the disease appear, seek medical help promptly. The risk of complications and the effectiveness of treatment depend on this.

Manifestations of intestinal obstruction may include:

• severe, cramping abdominal pain (constant or periodic);

• abdominal bloating;

• nausea and vomiting;

• constipation, absence of gas;

• general intoxication of the body (dizziness, headache, pale skin, cold sweat, fever, etc.).

According to clinical symptoms, specialists distinguish 3 stages of the development of intestinal obstruction.

• First 12 hours – periodic or constant acute abdominal pain appears, sometimes leading to pain shock and loss of consciousness.

• 12–24 hours – acute dysfunction of the intestine develops, which leads to abdominal bloating, severe nausea, and frequent vomiting. Pain may also intensify.

• After 24 hours – the risk of complications increases sharply. Patients often have fever, acute urinary retention, tachycardia, and increased respiratory rate.

Surgery is the main method of treating mechanical intestinal obstruction. Most often, it develops due to volvulus or twisting of intestinal loops, their incarceration inside a hernia, blockage by a tumor or foreign body, as well as adhesions. These disorders can be eliminated only surgically.

Conservative therapy may be used in partial dynamic intestinal obstruction, but this form is quite rare. Its cause is a violation of peristalsis, that is, the contractions of the organ walls necessary for the movement of fecal masses.

In both cases, the patient requires hospitalization.

During a consultation at the clinic or an emergency call at home, the doctor first examines the patient, performs abdominal palpation, percussion, and auscultation (listening to intestinal sounds through a stethoscope). By characteristic signs, the doctor determines the probable pathology and the severity of the patient’s condition.

To confirm the diagnosis, an X-ray or computed tomography of the abdominal organs with contrast enhancement may be required. CT allows visualization of internal organs, determination of the form and localization of the pathological process.

Immediately before surgery, the patient undergoes a series of laboratory tests, cardiography (ECG), and other examinations as indicated.

At “Oxford Medical”, surgeries are mainly performed using modern minimally invasive techniques. They are associated with less damage to healthy tissues, a lower risk of complications, and a shorter and easier rehabilitation period. At the same time, which operation will be optimal for the patient – laparoscopic or open – is determined individually by the surgeons in each case.

Types of surgeries for intestinal obstruction:

• Laparoscopy – a minimally invasive surgery. To provide access to the intestine, 3–4 punctures about 1 cm in size are made in the abdominal wall. Through one of them, carbon dioxide is pumped in, which lifts the peritoneum and enlarges the operating field. Through the others, a laparoscope equipped with a miniature video camera (the image is transmitted to a computer and magnified 30–40 times) and surgical instruments are inserted. Using them, the surgeon carefully performs all the necessary manipulations. After completion, the instruments are removed, the gas is released, and the punctures are sutured and covered with sterile dressings.

• Laparotomy – an open-access surgery. An incision 15–20 cm long is made on the peritoneum. Through it, the surgeon gains wide access to the internal organs, can carefully inspect and palpate them to identify the exact damaged area. After that, with the help of a scalpel, the surgeon performs resection and other necessary manipulations, sutures the wound, and applies stitches.

Depending on the cause of intestinal obstruction, during surgery the surgeon performs:

• resection of the intestine;

• untwisting of intestinal loops;

• dissection of adhesions;

• hernia repair.

In some cases, with extensive intestinal damage, after colectomy, it may be necessary to create a stoma – a part of the intestine is fixed on the inner side of the peritoneum, and the end is brought outside to divert fecal masses into a colostomy bag. This solution may be temporary or permanent.

The complexity of the surgery depends on the cause of the disease and the presence of complications. The earlier the patient seeks medical help, the better the prognosis.

Intestinal obstruction is a life-threatening condition. Surgery must be performed as soon as possible. After 24 hours, the risk of complications increases significantly.

Blockage of the intestine can lead to such complications as:

• intoxication of the body, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration;

• necrosis of intestinal tissues;

• abscess formation;

• perforation (rupture) of the intestinal wall;

• peritonitis;

• sepsis.

Early medical care can significantly reduce the risk of such complications.

The price of surgery for intestinal obstruction may vary depending on:

• whether it is performed laparoscopically or open;

• the complexity of the pathology and the extent of the manipulations.

Only a surgeon can provide an exact price after assessing the patient's condition.

You can find out the cost of surgical treatment at «Oxford Medical» here.

At «Oxford Medical», surgeries are performed in a modern, high-tech surgery department. The availability of new expert-class equipment allows for accurate diagnostics and operations of any complexity, including minimally invasive methods.