intestinal obstruction Treatment

Most people with intestinal obstruction need prompt treatment in the hospital.

Treatment may include:

*Intravenous (IV) fluids: You may need IV fluids and electrolytes to treat dehydration.
*Nasogastric tube: You may need a nasogastric tube to suction out fluids and air backed up from the blockage. A nasogastric tube is a long, thin tube that goes in through your nose but reaches down into your stomach or intestines.
*Medications: You may need anti-emetics to prevent nausea and vomiting and pain relievers to keep you more comfortable.
*Bowel rest: You may need to refrain from eating or drinking to give your intestine time to clear the obstruction or shrink to its normal size. Or you may only be allowed to drink a special liquid containing the nutrients you’d otherwise get from food.
*Surgery: You’ll likely need surgery if your intestine is completely blocked. Your healthcare provider may remove adhesions or tumors that are causing a blockage. Rarely, they may need to remove diseased segments of tissue. Sometimes, your provider can place a stent (a mesh tube) to keep your intestine open and resolve the obstruction without additional surgery. Or you may need a stent as a temporary solution until you’re healthy enough for surgery to repair the obstruction.