K91.3: Postoperative intestinal obstruction

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine (colon) is where water and salt are withdrawn from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine (colon) is the rectum. Stool then leaves the body through the anus.

After an operation, the internal diameter in your intestines has greatly reduced in size. A way to picture it is to imagine a blocked pipe. There are several reasons for this. Sometimes a certain amount of time goes by until the nerves in the intestines work properly again after an operation. If the nerves do not work properly, the intestinal contents may not be conveyed properly. It is also possible that an obstruction has blocked the intestines. That may for instance be accumulated feces or swollen bowel tissue. If the intestines are irritated during surgery, they will sometimes swell up.

If the intestinal contents are not redirected, they will accumulate in front of the obstructed intestinal segment. You can then have various problems. They include severe abdominal pain and vomiting, for example. It is also possible that you will no longer have bowel movements. Severe illness is sometimes possible.

If the intestinal obstruction has existed for a considerable time, the intestines can be severely damaged. A hole may develop in the intestinal wall, for example. Sometimes a part of the intestines necrotizes.