Small Bowel Obstruction

Small Bowel ObstructionA small bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine.Small bowel obstructions are usually caused by scar tissue, hernia, or cancer.In the United States, most obstructions occur as a result of prior surgeries.The bowel often forms bands of scar (called adhesions) after being handled during an operation.The more surgeries that involve the bowel, the more scars are likely to form.If the bowel becomes trapped in adhesions, it may lead to a small bowel obstruction.In severe cases, the blood supply might be compromised, and the bowel tissues might die.This is a life-threatening situation.