What is Acute Incomplete Intestinal Obstruction?
Acute incomplete intestinal obstruction is an emergency caused by partial obstruction of the intestinal tract, which may lead to various symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Prompt medical attention for diagnosis and intervention is required to prevent serious complications. The definitive diagnosis can only be made through imaging studies (such as abdominal X-rays or CT scans). The treatment is mostly conservative, but surgery may also be necessary. The causes of this condition mainly include mechanical factors (such as intestinal adhesions, tumors, incarcerated hernias, etc.) and functional factors (such as intestinal inflammation, intestinal motility disorders). Mechanical factors are usually caused by physical obstruction, while functional factors may be related to electrolyte disturbances, infections, or nerve injuries. Symptoms typically include persistent abdominal pain with episodic intensification, significant abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and possibly the cessation of flatulence and bowel movements. Imaging studies often reveal intestinal dilation and gas-fluid accumulation, while blood tests may show an increase in white blood cell count or electrolyte disturbances. The causes of this condition mainly include mechanical factors (such as intestinal adhesions, tumors, incarcerated hernias, etc.) and functional factors (such as intestinal inflammation, intestinal motility disorders). Mechanical factors are usually caused by physical obstruction, while functional factors may be related to electrolyte disturbances, infections, or nerve injuries. Symptoms typically include persistent abdominal pain with episodic intensification, significant abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and possibly the cessation of flatulence and bowel movements. Imaging studies often reveal intestinal dilation and gas-fluid accumulation, while blood tests may show an increase in white blood cell count or electrolyte disturbances. Treatment is divided into conservative and surgical categories. Conservative treatment includes fasting, maintaining water and electrolyte balance, and gastrointestinal decompression (using a nasogastric tube to aspirate gastric contents). If symptoms do not improve, surgery may be required to address the underlying issue, including releasing intestinal obstruction (such as lysing adhesions or resecting necrotic intestinal segments), repairing hernias, or resecting tumors. To prevent recurrence, dietary attention should be paid to consuming fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and whole grains, avoiding overly refined or difficult-to-digest foods, drinking plenty of water, and establishing regular bowel habits. Additionally, chronic diseases such as diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease should be controlled. If severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting occurs, individuals should seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying the optimal treatment window.
