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- Intestinal Obstruction
- SYMPTOMS. Signs vary with the degree and location of the obstruction. With
- partial small intestine obstruction, signs include diarrhea, intermittent
- cramplike pains in the naval area and vomiting. Complete small intestine
- blockage will produce the same signs as partial obstruction except they will
- be more severe and there will be no bowel movement. With complete blockage
- of the large intestine (the colon) the signs will be gradual abdominal
- distention and infrequent vomiting. With partial large intestine obstruction
- there will be constipation or constipation that alternates with diarrhea and
- intermittent cramps of the lower abdomen.
- CAUSES may include foreign bodies, clot in the artery or vein of the bowel,
- pressure from a tumor, adhesions after surgery, no bowel contractions after
- surgery and telescoping of one section of the bowel into another section.
- TREATMENT. Surgery may be required for complete obstruction.
- .Suction through a stomach tube may be necessary.
- .Insertion of a long intestinal tube may be required.