Understanding the physiology of bowel obstruction and its implications for patient assessment and management

Abstract

Bowel obstruction causes acute abdominal pain, and, if untreated, leads to strangulation of the bowel and may lead to the patient's death. The aetiology of small bowel obstruction and large bowel obstruction can involve mechanical (dynamic) or non-mechanical (adynamic) causes, as well as pseudo-obstruction, abdominal hernias and postoperative ileus. Assessment techniques include history taking, physical examination, imaging, biochemistry and endoscopic assessment. Intervention options include symptomatic, endoscopic and conservative management, as well as surgical treatment and palliative care. Clinical nurse specialists in colorectal, stoma and palliative care play essential roles in meeting the holistic needs of these patients.