Some patients deal with the condition known as bowel blockage and obstruction. As a result, many patients have asked healthcare practitioners if they can experience bowel obstruction again after suffering from ulcerative colitis and having their large intestine removed.
The condition known as bowel obstruction is when the movement of food, fluid or gas is unable to come through the intestines. An obstruction is either partial which means that some fluid and gases can come through but solid waste from food does not. As a result, nothing can pass through the bowel. Today, there are approximately 20% of people who have been admitted to a hospital for this condition. They often come to the hospital when their acute abdomen becomes firm, tender and painful. This often results in bowel obstruction. Of the 20% who come to the hospital for an obstructed bowel, 80% of them will likely experience bowel obstruction again in the future.
There are a number of reasons why bowel obstruction can occur. Anyone who has had their intestines removed and who has suffered from ulcerative colitis will most likely experience either food obstruction or scar tissue adhesions.
When having adhesions or scar tissue there is a chance that you can have a connection or binding of the bowel. It can either be connected to other internal organs or to the abdomen. It can also be stuck to the abdominal wall as well. With this scar tissue, the normal movement of things such as fluids, food and gas through the intestine will be prevented. Most of this scar tissue results from any movement that may disrupt the tissues that are normally associated with passing waste through the bowel. In response to this situation, the body will repair itself by developing scar tissue. Things such as surgery, infections of the abdomen and trauma often contribute to the development of this condition. Those who receive radiation therapy for cancer can also be at risk of experiencing an obstructed bowl and the development of scar tissue.
According to medical experts, adhesions are the most common result of surgery as it affects 90% of those who get a surgical procedure of their abdomen completed. Any adhesions will usually begin to form within a few days after the surgery. In most cases, the buildup of adhesions doesn’t result in any pain or complications for the individual. Since a person doesn’t experience pain or any discomfort, they are usually not aware of any adhesions. At times, adhesions don’t cause any complications for several months or even years after the surgery. Whenever adhesions occur, there is a chance that they can develop again in the future.
When coping with bowel blockage and obstruction, there are some symptoms that you should keep in mind. These include abdominal cramps, pain and bloating. The pain is either severe or constant as well. Individuals may also experience a loss of appetite and/or nausea and vomiting.
If you experience bowel obstruction, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. In preparation for your meeting with a physician, there are some things that you can do to better cope with this condition. You should stop eating solid food and drink plenty of water. You will need to seek medical care immediately if you begin vomiting on a regular basis or have severe pain that is constant.
Ostomy Specialist 