Introduction
Surgery for bowel or intestinal obstructions is necessary for a severe case of this problem. Complications and severe cases of such medical condition must not be taken lightly. According to surveys and statistics, nearly 31,000 patients out of 310,000 emergency admissions of bowel obstructions have died every year. Bowel obstructions are serious medical condition that can lead to other complications and even death. Early signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction must be evaluated and diagnosed by a physician to prevent medical complications.
Options
Symptoms of such ailments in adults would vary depending on where the blockage develops. The treatments can also vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. This blockage can be treated by non-surgical procedures or surgery for extreme cases and situations. Mild cases of intestinal obstructions can be treated with home remedies like consuming more liquids and indulging in a high fiber diet.
About Bowel Resection
Bowel Resection
The surgery for bowel obstruction involves making incisions in the abdomen to remove the diseased part of the intestine that causes the blockage. The incisions will be stitched and closed after the blockages are removed from the bowel. This surgical operation has also several alternative names. It is known as Enterectomy, small intestine surgery, or bowel resection.
This surgical procedure will take one to four hours depending on the severity of the blockage. Patients of this procedure will receive general anesthesia during the surgery to make them free from pain and keep them asleep. There will be four to five cuts in the lower belly since the surgeon will use medical instruments and a camera to pass through them. The cut can be around two to three inches. The belly will also be expanded by filling it with gas to make it easy for the surgeon to work and see.
Risks involved in Bowel Resection
Like any other surgical procedures, bowel resection also has its own risks and potential complications. The risks for such surgery include:
• Wound infections
• Issues with ileostomy
• Several occurrences of diarrhea
• Damages to other organs that are in close proximity to the bowel
• Incisional hernia or bulging tissues caused by the incision
• Anastomotic leak, which can be life-threatening
• Short bowel syndrome
• Dehiscence or wound breaking open
• Blockage in the intestines that are caused by scar tissues that form in the belly
After the surgery
A patient undergoing a surgery for bowel obstruction will have to stay in the hospital for two days to a week. Patients with emergency operations will have to stay longer for further examinations and tests. A patient will have to stay longer if there is a large amount of the small intestine removed from the operation. Other complications that may arise can also extend the patient’s stay in the hospital.
On the third day after the operation, the patient will already be able to eat softer food and drink unprocessed liquids. The physician will recommend these food and drinks as the patient’s bowel start to function once again.
Tips and comments
Numerous patients that have undergone such medical procedure were able to recover fully. They already are capable of performing rigorous activities such as sport, outdoor adventures, hiking, traveling and gardening. Surgery for intestinal obstruction has successfully saved lives from life-threatening complications.
