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Pathology - Intestinal blockage
Definition: A mechanical obstruction in a section of the intestine.
Epidemiology • Prevalent.
Aetiology • Small bowel obstruction: adhesions, hernias, intussusception, volvulus. • Large bowel obstruction: neoplasms, sigmoid volvulus, diverticular strictures.
Pathogenesis • Mechanical obstruction of the bowel inhibits normal peristaltic activity.
Presentation • Small bowel obstruction: severe colicky stomach pain, abdominal distension, initial vomiting, followed by complete constipation (absence of both flatus and feces). • Large bowel obstruction: severe colicky stomach pain, abdominal distension, initial absolute constipation, followed by subsequent vomiting.
Macroscopy The bowel anterior to the obstruction is typically distended. The primary reason of the obstruction is typically evident, such as adhesions, tumors, or intussusception.
Histopathology • Ischemic alterations may occur in extended cases. • Characteristics of the fundamental cause may also be observed.
Prognosis is contingent upon the underlying etiology. Benign causes of blockage typically exhibit a favorable prognosis with either spontaneous resolution or surgical intervention. Large intestinal obstruction resulting from colorectal cancer typically indicates advanced disease and a diminished prognosis.
Definition: A mechanical obstruction in a section of the intestine.
Epidemiology • Prevalent.
Aetiology • Small bowel obstruction: adhesions, hernias, intussusception, volvulus. • Large bowel obstruction: neoplasms, sigmoid volvulus, diverticular strictures.
Pathogenesis • Mechanical obstruction of the bowel inhibits normal peristaltic activity.
Presentation • Small bowel obstruction: severe colicky stomach pain, abdominal distension, initial vomiting, followed by complete constipation (absence of both flatus and feces). • Large bowel obstruction: severe colicky stomach pain, abdominal distension, initial absolute constipation, followed by subsequent vomiting.
Macroscopy The bowel anterior to the obstruction is typically distended. The primary reason of the obstruction is typically evident, such as adhesions, tumors, or intussusception.
Histopathology • Ischemic alterations may occur in extended cases. • Characteristics of the fundamental cause may also be observed.
Prognosis is contingent upon the underlying etiology. Benign causes of blockage typically exhibit a favorable prognosis with either spontaneous resolution or surgical intervention. Large intestinal obstruction resulting from colorectal cancer typically indicates advanced disease and a diminished prognosis.
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