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Small Bowel Research Paper

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Small Bowel Obstruction

A small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small bowel, also called the small intestine. The small bowel is a long, slender tube that connects the stomach to the colon. When a person eats and drinks, food and fluids go from the stomach to the small bowel. This is where most of the nutrients in the food and fluids are absorbed.
A small bowel obstruction will prevent food and fluids from passing through the small bowel as they normally do during digestion. The small bowel may be partially or completely blocked. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. If not treated, this condition can be dangerous because the small bowel could rupture.

CAUSES
Common causes of this condition include:
• Scar …show more content…

• Constipation.
• Lack of passing gas.
• Frequent belching.
• Diarrhea. This may occur if runny stool is able to leak around the obstruction.

DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed based on a physical exam, medical history, and X-rays of the abdomen. You may also have other tests, such as a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.

TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause and severity of the problem. Treatment options may include:
• Bed rest and fluids given through an IV tube inserted into one of your veins. Sometimes, this is all that is needed for the obstruction to improve.
• Following a simple diet. In some cases, a clear liquid diet may be required for several days. This allows the bowel to rest.
• Placement of a small tube (nasogastric tube) into the stomach. When the bowel is blocked, it usually swells up like a balloon filled with air and fluids. The air and fluids may be removed by suction through the nasogastric tube. This can help with pain, discomfort, and nausea. It can also help the obstruction clear up faster.
• Surgery. This may be required if other treatments do not work. Bowel obstruction from a hernia may require early surgery and can be an emergency procedure. Scar tissue that causes frequent or severe obstructions may also require

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