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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...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

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,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

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.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

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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Appendicitis

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
07:33

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction

Published on: March 5, 2018

Bowel obstruction and hernia.

Geoffrey E Hayden1, Kevin L Sprouse

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. geoffhayden@gmail.com

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|April 26, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Emergency department (ED) evaluation of bowel obstruction and abdominal hernias is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. This review focuses on the ED approach to these common causes of abdominal pain, emphasizing diagnostic strategies and surgical consultation criteria.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
07:33

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction

Published on: March 5, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Surgical Abdomen

Background:

  • Bowel obstruction and abdominal hernias are frequent reasons for emergency department visits.
  • These conditions often present with abdominal pain, necessitating prompt evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline an emergency department-based approach for managing patients with suspected bowel obstruction or abdominal hernia.
  • To highlight key diagnostic considerations and indications for surgical consultation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common causes of bowel obstruction including adynamic ileus and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction.
  • Emphasis on diagnostic modalities, differentiating imaging-dependent bowel obstruction from history/physical-based hernia diagnosis.
  • Criteria for urgent surgical consultation in cases of suspected ischemia, strangulation, or complete obstruction.

Main Results:

  • Abdominal hernias are often diagnosed via patient history and physical examination.
  • Bowel obstruction typically requires imaging for diagnosis.
  • Urgent surgical intervention is critical for bowel ischemia, strangulation, or complete obstruction.

Conclusions:

  • A systematic ED approach is vital for patients presenting with bowel obstruction or abdominal hernia.
  • Early recognition of surgical emergencies like strangulation or ischemia ensures optimal patient outcomes.