Sudden onset of significant, colicky abdominal pain that recurs every 15 to 20 min, often with vomiting. Affects children after viral infections or adults with cancer
Hyperactive bowel sounds (early) or hypoactive bowel sounds (late), prior abdominal surgery
Dehydration + electrolyte imbalances
MCC: adhesions or hernias, cancer, IBD, volvulus, and intussusception
KUB shows dilated loops of bowel with air-fluid levels with little or no gas in the colon
Large bowel obstruction
Gradually increasing abdominal pain with longer intervals between episodes of pain, abdominal distention, obstipation, less vomiting (feculent), more common in the elderly
Febrile, tachycardia → shock
Dehydration + electrolyte imbalances
MCC: cancer, strictures, hernias, volvulus, and fecal impaction
KUB shows dilated loops of bowel with air-fluid levels with little or no gas in the colon
Look for vomiting of partially digested food, severe abdominal distensions and high pitched hyperactive bowel sounds progressing to silent bowel sounds.
KUB shows dilated loops of bowel with air-fluid levels with little or no gas in the colon
Dilated loops of bowel and air-fluid levels in the abdomen
Treatment: Bowel rest, NG tube placement, surgery as directed by underlying cause