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Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
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Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
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Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
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Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
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Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
08:20

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Published on: July 12, 2018

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction.

R De Giorgio1, C H Knowles

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine and Centro Unificato di Ricerca BioMedica Applicata, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. deg@aosp.bo.it

The British Journal of Surgery
|February 19, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, a condition mimicking bowel obstruction without a mechanical cause, requires prompt management. Neostigmine and colonoscopic decompression are effective treatments, with surgery reserved for complications.

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Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
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Published on: October 29, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neurogastroenterology

Background:

  • Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction presents as large bowel obstruction without a mechanical cause.
  • It commonly affects elderly individuals with comorbidities, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management to prevent severe complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advances in the management of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction.
  • To provide a contemporary management algorithm based on current evidence.

Main Methods:

  • A part-systematic review of key publications.
  • Focus on recent advances in treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Neostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, shows 60-90% initial response rates.
  • Colonoscopic decompression is successful in approximately 80% of cases.
  • Minimally invasive strategies are evolving, limiting surgery to complicated cases.

Conclusions:

  • While autonomic imbalance is a suspected cause, neurogastroenterology aetiologies require further exploration.
  • Effective colonic decompression is the primary treatment goal.
  • A structured management algorithm prioritizes non-invasive and pharmacological interventions before considering surgery.