If there is a small intestens blockage, what can be done to correct the problem before surgery?
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They do a "roto-rooter" procedure where a flexible tube with spinning blades is introduced into your..well, you know.
It sounds gross, but i have heard enema's work, and also, to prevent these blockages from coming back, try eating healthier (not counting carbs, but eating veggies, and no bread, very little meat) and drink lots of green tea!! It will help.
First off, you'd think that a bowel specialist would know how to spell intestines...yes Greenie?
I work on a surgical floor at a hospital, and you wouldn't believe how many SBO's (small bowel obstructions) I see on a daily basis. As far as what you can do though...not much that I can think of (although I'm not a doctor). You could call your doctor and ask if there are suggestions they can give before you seek more medical attention, but do be careful, things like that can get pretty serious not to mention cause a great deal of pain and distress.
Try these sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bowel_obstr...
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_s...
http://health.ivillage.com/digestion/col...
Best of luck!
A lot depends on what is causing the blockage.
If it's blocked because of constipation, medications may help.
If it's blocked because of a tumor or growth, it may be possible to shrink the growth with radiation or medication.
If it's blocked because the intestines are twisted, surgery is about the only course.
as a frequent flyer to the hospital w/partial obstructions in the small bowel due to IBD this is what you do: go to the ER STAT--do not wait or it can become a full blown blockage. Next, in the ER they will do a STAT cbc to check white cell count for infection and xray to see the exact location of the blockage. Then they give you an IV to hydrate you, some happy meds for the pain, and God willing, if it's not a full obstruction,an NG tube through the nose into the gut so the stomach will depressurize and the gut can heal from the inflammed part that caused the blockage.
If you do need surgery, then it will vary...anywhere from an NG tube, IVs for pain/hydration and even electrolytes (that's only if you have nausea and vomitting), they will take blood tests to make sure you are healthy enough to go under (no infections prior) plus an xray to see the severity of it, and then they (the GI and colorectal surgeon) will prepare a plan for the best possible outcome.
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