Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

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,...

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

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...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

CEMIP1 and TACSTD2 as circulating mRNA biomarkers for early detection and tumor burden assessment in colorectal neoplasia.

Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)·2026

Same author

Mutational landscape in the precancerous stages of sporadic colorectal cancer.

Oncology letters·2026

Same author

Changes in telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Mutagenesis·2026

Same author

The Role of Endoscopy in the Diagnosis of Bile Duct Strictures.

Ceskoslovenska patologie·2025

Same author

Genetic drivers of liver cirrhosis: The role of SERPINA1 and PNPLA3 variants in disease onset and progression.

PloS one·2025

Same author

Maintenance Treatment for Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis: Effectiveness and Development of the PrescrAIP Relapse Prediction Model.

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Published on: March 25, 2022

Acute GI obstruction.

¹Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 9, 140 21 Prague 4, Czech Republic.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology

|October 29, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Acute gastrointestinal obstruction interrupts intestinal flow, causing symptoms like nausea and pain. Early diagnosis via imaging and prompt treatment, including conservative measures or endoscopy, are crucial to prevent complications like perforation.

Keywords:

Dilation Endoscopic therapy Gastrointestinal obstruction Mechanical ileus Self-expandable metal stent

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care

Published on: September 22, 2023

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Published on: March 25, 2022

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care

Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care

Published on: September 22, 2023

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Published on: August 11, 2023

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Medical Diagnostics
Surgical Emergencies

Background:

Acute gastrointestinal obstruction is a critical condition interrupting normal intestinal flow.
Blockages can occur anywhere in the GI tract, with symptoms varying by location and severity.
Potential complications include bowel ischemia, perforation, and peritonitis, necessitating urgent medical attention.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for acute gastrointestinal obstruction.
To emphasize the importance of early recognition and intervention in preventing severe outcomes.
To discuss the role of both conservative management and endoscopic interventions.

Main Methods:

Clinical symptom assessment including nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal pain, and altered bowel movements.
Diagnostic imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography, contrast fluoroscopy, and computed tomography.
Therapeutic interventions encompassing fluid resuscitation, electrolyte correction, intestinal decompression, bowel rest, and endoscopic procedures.

Main Results:

Diagnosis is suggested by symptoms and physical findings like abdominal distention and abnormal bowel sounds.
Imaging plays a key role in identifying the obstruction and its potential causes.
Conservative management is effective for uncomplicated cases, while endoscopy offers diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, including decompression and stenting.

Conclusions:

Acute gastrointestinal obstruction is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
A combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and potentially endoscopic interventions guides treatment.
Surgical intervention is reserved for cases with complications like ischemia, perforation, or peritonitis.