What exactly is small bowel obstruction? How is it diagnosed? I've been told it can be easily confused with Crohn's disease.

Ania

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) refers to a blockage of the small intestine. Symptoms, which usually come on suddenly, are severe cramping abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting and the absence of bowel movements. The most common causes of small intestinal obstruction are abdominal adhesions and hernias. Other less common causes include tumors and inflammatory conditions affecting the small intestine, such as Crohn's disease.

The diagnosis of SBO is usually made through X-ray imaging of the abdomen, which will show distended loops of small bowel without any air in the colon. If the X-ray proves inconclusive, a CT scan may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment for SBO typically involves hospitalizing patients to administer IV fluids and to suction the stomach. A decision also needs to made regarding whether to do surgery. In many cases, the obstruction is partial and slowly resolves after supportive measures are performed. However, in some cases, the obstruction worsens to the point that the blood supply to an area of bowel is jeopardized and immediate surgery is necessary.

As mentioned, Crohn's disease can cause SBO. This happens because the inflammation associated with Crohn's can generate a great deal of swelling in the small intestine, which in turn can lead to a partial or complete obstruction. Alternatively, in patients with longstanding Crohn's, obstructions may stem from chronic scarring in the small bowel.