Causes
Most small bowel blockages are due to adhesions. An adhesion is a band of scar tissue that causes the bowel to attach to the abdominal wall or other organs. Most large bowel obstructions are caused by tumors.
Specific causes of bowel obstructions include:
- Hernia
- Tumors
- Bowel inflammation or swelling
- Foreign matter in the intestines
- Gallstones
- Impacted feces
- Volvulus (twisting of the intestine)
- Intussusception (telescoping of the intestine into itself)
- Scar tissue from a previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, particularly gynecologic or gastrointestinal operations
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for a bowel obstruction include anything that is likely to cause scar tissue or a blockage, such as:
- History of ulcers
- Previous gastrointestinal or gynecologic surgery
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Hirschsprung’s disease (in infants and children)
- Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract
Improved
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