Obstruction

Obstruction of the small bowel causes abdominal pain and vomiting. While this may be a complication of Crohn’s disease it is more usually caused by the presence of adhesions following previous surgery. After abdominal operations there is an external scar. During the process of healing strands of fibrous tissue (called adhesions) form between the back of the scar and internal organs. As the bowel moves it may twist round these strands and become blocked. While a blockage may resolve if the bowel is rested (taking nothing by mouth, giving intravenous fluids and draining gastric secretions by using a nasogastric tube) surgery may be required.
 
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