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Intestinal obstruction repair

Repair of volvulus; Intestinal volvulus - repair; Bowel obstruction - repair

Intestinal obstruction surgery is done to relieve a bowel obstruction (blockage). A bowel obstruction occurs when the contents of the intestines cannot pass through and exit the body. A complete obstruction is a surgical emergency.

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Description

Intestinal obstruction repair is done while you are under general anesthesia. This means you are asleep and do not feel pain.

Your surgeon makes a cut in your belly to see your intestines. Sometimes, the surgery can be done using a laparoscope, which means smaller cuts are used.

Your surgeon locates the area of your intestine (bowel) that is blocked and unblocks it.

Any damaged parts of your bowel will be repaired or removed. This procedure is called bowel resection. If a section is removed, the healthy ends will be reconnected with stitches or staples. Sometimes, when part of the intestine is removed, the ends cannot be reconnected. If this happens, your surgeon will bring one or both ends out through an opening in the abdominal wall. These are called ostomies or stomas.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

This procedure is done to relieve a blockage in your intestine. A blockage that lasts for a long time can reduce or block blood flow to the area. This can cause the bowel to die.

Risks

Risks of anesthesia and surgery in general include:

• Reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems
• Bleeding, blood clots, infection

Risks of this procedure:

• Bowel obstruction after surgery
• Damage to nearby organs in the body
• Formation of scar tissue (adhesions)
• More scar tissue forming in your belly and causing a blockage of your intestines in the future
• Opening of the edges of your intestines that are sewn together (anastomotic leak), which may cause life-threatening problems
• Problems with any ostomy that is made
• Temporary paralysis (freezing up) of the bowel (paralytic ileus)

After the Procedure

How long it takes to recover depends on your overall health and the type of operation.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome is usually good if the obstruction is treated before bowel blood flow is affected.

People who have had many abdominal surgeries may form scar tissue. They are more likely to have bowel obstructions in the future.

Related Information

References

Horesh N, Emile S, Wexner SD. Colon and rectum. In: Tyler DS, Hayes-Dixon A, Hines OJ, et al, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 95.

Roberts ML, Mustain WC. Intestinal obstruction. In Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 125.

Varvoglis DN, Guillem JG. Management of large bowel obstruction. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 35.

Review Date: 1/1/2026  

Reviewed By: Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, Professor Emeritus, Department of Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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