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Obstructed Colon Disease

An obstructed colon prevents you from passing waste. This can result from a number of causes and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Fortunately, you can successfully address this problem with proper medical treatment.

  1. Mechanical Blockage

    • Mechanical causes--something physically blocking the colon--account for about 10 to 15 percent of colon obstructions, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most common include cancerous tumors, infected diverticula (bulging pouches in the intestinal walls) and twisted colon.

    Paralytic Ileus

    • Paralytic ileus causes similar problems but without the presence of a blockage. Causes include abdominal surgery--the most common; kidney and lung disease; imbalances in certain chemicals, minerals or electrolytes; problems with abdominal blood supply; and abdominal infection.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of an obstructed colon include swollen abdomen, cramping that comes and goes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal tenderness, fever, constipation, inability to pass gas, breath odor and a feeling of fullness.

    Complications

    • Complications include electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, jaundice and tissue death, which can lead to a hole in the colon and infection of the abdominal cavity. This infection--peritonitis--can be deadly. Symptoms of peritonitis include those mentioned above as well as fever; chills; thirst; reduced urination; cool, clammy skin; weak, fast pulse; abnormal breathing and dilated pupils, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Treatment

    • A primary treatment involves passing a tube through your nose into the intestine to remove excess air and encourage decompression of your colon, according to the National Library of Medicine; this might be the only treatment necessary for partial mechanical obstructions. Paralytic ileus sometimes resolves on its own and your doctor will observe you for a day or two. You might need medication to induce muscle contractions. This helps move food and liquid through your colon. You will need surgery if you have complete blockage in which nothing can pass.

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