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Surgical Treatment of Bowel Obstruction in Dnipro

Bowel obstruction is a condition where the passage of contents through the intestines is partially or completely blocked. It typically presents with pronounced symptoms, which usually develop a few hours after eating.

The primary effective treatment for mechanical bowel obstruction is surgery. Therapeutic methods are only used when surgery is not possible (due to advanced age, severe overall condition, etc.), or in the early stages of the disease, provided there is early diagnosis and the absence of severe symptoms. The surgical approach depends on the type of bowel obstruction. After opening the abdominal wall and visualizing the pathology, the following interventions may be performed:

Adhesion removal: cutting fibrous bands that compress the intestine and prevent the movement of stool.
Unwinding of a knot or volvulus.
Resection of necrotic bowel parts after prolonged compression with subsequent connection of viable sections of the intestine.
Removal of a foreign body or tumor that narrows the bowel lumen and causes obstruction.
Incision of hernia openings where a section of the intestine has become strangulated.
Resection of necrotic bowel sections with stoma formation: creating an artificial opening in the abdominal wall through which the contents of the bowel will be evacuated.

During surgery, the surgeon removes the stool and restores bowel passage.

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Key Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction

According to statistics from Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, bowel obstruction occurs in 1-2% of patients hospitalized in gastroenterology departments. The pathology ranks third among acute abdominal diseases and is most common in men over the age of 60. The disease has a high mortality rate (5-30%), depending on the timeliness of specialized treatment, general condition, age, and the presence of comorbidities. Symptoms of bowel obstruction develop quickly and are pronounced. The main manifestations of the disease include:

Cramp-like or continuous pain.
Multiple episodes of vomiting.
Abdominal distension and asymmetry.
Thirst.
Dry, coated tongue.
Decreased blood pressure, increased pulse.
Fever.
General weakness.
Absence of stool and gas passage.

If there is compression of the bowel, necrosis of the bowel walls can occur very quickly, so if these symptoms appear, medical help should be sought immediately.

Causes of Bowel Obstruction

Depending on the cause, bowel obstruction is classified as dynamic or mechanical. Dynamic obstruction is characterized by a decrease or absence of peristalsis due to nerve dysfunction in the bowel, and occurs in:

Severe peritonitis.
Severe abdominal or spinal cord injury.
Prolonged bedridden state in critically ill patients.
Abdominal surgery.
Severe intoxication or poisoning.

Mechanical obstruction occurs when a physical barrier forms within the intestine, preventing normal stool passage. Possible causes include:

Tumor-like formations.
Helminthic invasion.
Foreign bodies.
Intestinal strangulation in a hernia.
Formation of a knot.
Intestinal volvulus.
Adhesion process.
Intestinal fusion.
Fecal stones.
Intussusception.

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When is Surgical Intervention Necessary for Bowel Obstruction?

Surgical treatment is the primary method for effectively treating mechanical bowel obstruction. Conservative methods are used for dynamic obstruction, including medications to stimulate peristalsis, cleansing enemas, colonoscopy, and others. Untimely medical intervention or self-treatment can lead to serious life-threatening complications.

Consultation and Preparation for Surgical Treatment of Bowel Obstruction

In most cases, bowel obstruction is an emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The decision to perform surgery is made based on the patient’s complaints, symptoms, and results from laboratory and instrumental studies. Preoperative procedures include:

General examination of the patient.
Palpation and percussion of the abdomen.
Auscultation.
Radiography of the abdominal organs (typical sign - Klöber's cups).
Ultrasound.
CT or MRI (if necessary).
Clinical blood tests.
Evaluation of liver and kidney functions.

Once the final diagnosis is made, the patient is hospitalized in the surgical department, where preoperative preparation is performed, and surgery is scheduled.

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Rehabilitation After Surgical Treatment of Bowel Obstruction

After surgery, patients are monitored 24/7 by specialists who control vital health indicators and administer necessary medications. In the first days after surgery, the patient is fed parenterally (nutrient solutions delivered via an intravenous drip) to restore bowel function. Gradually, the patient transitions to enteral nutrition, adhering to a strict diet. The length of stay at the "Helyos" clinic depends on the complexity of the surgery, the patient’s overall condition, and age. On average, hospitalization lasts 3-7 days, after which the patient is sent home for the rehabilitation period. To accelerate recovery and restore functionality, the following rules should be followed:

Avoid physical exertion.
Strictly adhere to the recommended diet.
Do not visit saunas or swim in open water for two months.
Regularly take prescribed medications.
Perform antiseptic treatment of postoperative wounds.
Attend the clinic regularly for check-ups and physiotherapy.

The rehabilitation period may last from 4 weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Possible Complications After Surgery

Surgical treatment of bowel obstruction is a highly complex procedure that is performed by experienced surgeons at the "Helyos" medical center. In the postoperative period, under the influence of unfavorable internal and external factors, the following complications may arise:

Suture or anastomosis failure.
Progression of bowel wall necrosis.
Internal bleeding.
Peritonitis.
Pus formation in postoperative wounds.
Absence of peristalsis, among others.
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Advantages of Surgical Treatment of Bowel Obstruction at the "Helyos" Medical Center

The "Helyos" Medical Center is equipped with the latest technology to perform successful surgeries of any complexity. Our doctors use a comprehensive, individualized approach to each patient, carefully diagnosing and selecting the most effective treatment method. The clinic employs experienced, top-category doctors who use modern techniques to achieve the best results in treating gastrointestinal tract pathologies. Each room in the medical center is equipped with all necessary amenities for patient comfort before and after surgery.