Surgery for Obstruction

Surgery for Obstruction

There are several types of surgical procedures used to relieve a bowel obstruction, which is a partial or complete blockage of the intestines. A bowel obstruction can be treated with a surgical resection, stenting, colostomy, removal of adhesions, or revascularization.

The diagnosis of majority of cases of bowel obstruction can be made based on clinical presentation and initial plain radiograph of the abdomen. Luminal contrast studies, computed tomography (CT scan), and ultrasonography (US) are utilized in select cases. Once the diagnosis of bowel obstruction is entertained, location, severity and etiology are to be determined. Most importantly is the differentiation between simple and complicated obstruction.

What is Appendix?

The appendix is a narrow, small, finger-shaped portion of the large intestine that is generally situated near junction of small and large intestine (Cecum) on lower right side of the abdomen.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a sudden inflammation of the appendix. Although the appendix does not seem to serve any purpose, it can become diseased and, if untreated, can burst, causing infection and could be even fatal.