Bowel Obstruction

Question 1

What’s the most common cause of small bowel obstruction?

Answer 1

Adhesions following surgery

Question 2

Name the causes of small bowel obstruction

Answer 2

Hernias, constipation, volvulus, foreign body

Question 3

What are the clinical features of small bowel obstruction?

Answer 3

Diffuse central abdominal pain

Nausea and vomiting

Constipation with complete obstruction and lack of flatulence

May get abdominal distension

Question 4

What’s the first line investigation in suspected small bowel obstruction?

Answer 4

Abdominal x-ray

Question 5

What’s the most common cause of large bowel obstruction?

Answer 5

Tumour

Question 6

Name the causes of large bowel obstruction

Answer 6

Tumour, volvulus, diverticular disease

Question 7

Name a late symptoms of large bowel obstruction

Answer 7

Nausea and vomiting