Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Intestinal obstruction repair - series: Indication, part 2

 Indication, part 2

Intestinal obstruction repair - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal anatomy
  • Indication, part 1
  • Indication, part 2
  • Incision
  • Procedure

    • The most common causes of intestinal obstruction in adults are adhesions, hernias, and colon cancer. Adhesions are scars that form between loops of intestine, usually caused by prior surgery, which causes such scar formation. Hernias are areas of weakness in the abdominal wall, through which loops of intestine can slip and become trapped. Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. While each reason for intestinal obstruction requires a different treatment, all intestinal obstructions are potentially life-threatening.

    Update Date: 10/16/2006

    Updated by: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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