A surgeon uses eitherminimally invasive laparoscopicsurgery or complex open surgery for more serious bowel obstructions.
In some cases, damaged parts of the bowel need to be taken out (surgical resection).
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
When Is Bowel Obstruction Surgery Needed?
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
A bowel obstruction can happen suddenly (acute) or may come on slowly over time (chronic).
Sometimes, providers give a shot to use other treatments first before doing bowel obstruction surgery.
In emergency situations, bowel obstruction surgery is needed right away.
A 2018 study looked at what happened to almost 10,000 people who had emergency surgery for small bowel obstructions.
Bowel obstruction can quickly become life-threatening.
A complete intestinal obstruction is a serious medical emergency that needs immediate surgery.
You will probably need an abdominal X-ray,computed tomography(CT) scan, or ultrasound.
You will also have blood drawn so yourcomplete blood countand electrolyte levels can be checked.
You will do aurinalysis, which shows your electrolyte levels and can also show signs of an infection.
Asigmoidoscopyor acolonoscopymight also be part of your workup for bowel obstructions.
These procedures use a camera that goes up into your colon to look at the inside of your bowel.
Theres also a higher chance of resolution with surgery instead of conservative treatment.
Whats Involved in Bowel Obstruction Surgery?
Bowel obstruction surgery usually consists of two parts:
This surgery is done in a hospital undergeneral anesthesia.
It can be emergency surgery or, in some cases, planned in advance.
You might have a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure, which is done with a few small incisions.
Or, you might need an open laparotomy with a large incision.
Who Shouldnt Have the Surgery?
However, the cause of the obstruction is considered alongside a patients age and overall health.
Older patients with bowel obstructions are a key example.
This can be brought on by narrowed structures and/or large tumor size.
Location
Bowel obstruction surgery is performed in the hospital in an operating room.
What to Wear
For the surgery and remaining hospital stay, you will wear a hospital gown.
Do not wear any jewelry and leave anything of value at home.
Food and Drink
Surgery for bowel obstruction is typically done under general anesthesia.
You should not eat or drink for about eight hours prior to general anesthesia.
However, when the procedure is done as an emergency, you may not have had time to fast.
Certain medications can cause problems during surgery.
If you take any medications, bring a list of them with you.
Some of these medications may need to be stopped or changed.
Your healthcare provider might also prescribe new medications for you after your procedure.
When youre ready to go home (discharged) after surgery, you wont be allowed to drive.
double-check you arrange for a ride home before the day of your surgery.
You will be asked to sign consent forms as well.
For example, a bowel resection can take one to four hours.
You will be taken to the operating room and moved to the operating table.
Youranesthesia providerwill give you an IV sedative to help you relax.
The anesthesia medication makes you unable to move or feel pain during the procedure.
Afoley catheteris placed in the urethra to collect urine.
When you are fully under anesthesia, your surgery will begin.
Much of this planning will occur before your surgery, but some decisions have to be made during surgery.
Or your surgeon may see adhesions in multiple locations that need to be removed during your surgery.
With minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, the surgeon uses a computer screen to view the intestines and the obstruction.
Sometimes, the trapped stool is broken apart and suctioned out through the tube.
Or a polyp or tumor might be removed, followed by repair of the adherent intestinal tissue.
Any abdominal incisions will be closed with stitches or steri-tape.
Your wound will be covered with sterile gauze and tape to protect it.
You will be groggy at first but slowly become more alert.
Most patients stay in the hospital for between five and seven days after bowel obstruction surgery.
It can take several weeks or months to fully return to normal activities.
Your medical team with work with you to manage post-surgical pain.
double-check you understand all of your healthcare provider’s instructions and call the office with any questions or concerns.
Your nurse will show you how to care for it before you go home.
That said, the risk of dying after bowel obstruction surgery can be very high.
If one medication does not help or causes side effects, tell your healthcare provider.
They might be able to adjust your dose or switch you to something else.
Your provider will discuss this plan at your follow-up appointment.
Generally, bowel obstruction surgery provides long-lasting relief.
In these cases, you may need to have surgery again in the future.
Regular exercise can also help to keep stool moving through the intestinal tract.
Have your healthcare provider-approved plan fortreating constipationin place in case it does happen.
Summary
Bowel obstruction surgery is done when there is a blockage in your intestines.
If the damage cannot be repaired, part of the bowel might have to be taken out.
Bowel obstruction surgery can take some time to recover from.
Maintaining bowel regularity and treating constipation quickly can help you avoid another surgery.
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Published 2021 Dec 31. doi:10.47717/turkjsurg.2021.5177
