CARE ASSISTANT
NLBowel Obstruction
A medical emergency.
A blockage of the small intestine or colon stops food, fluids and gas from passing. The signs: intense cramps, inability to pass gas, vomiting.
It requires prompt hospital admission. Common causes: adhesions after surgery, hernia, tumour.
More Informations
Stools that reach the rectum but do not come out: a disorder that can be retrained.
Definition
Obstructed defecation is difficulty evacuating stools that are present in the rectum: the pelvic floor does not relax or an anatomical obstacle hinders the exit.
Causes
A paradoxical contraction of the pelvic floor muscle when pushing, or in women a rectocele (pouch of the rectum towards the vagina).
Diagnosis
- Defecography (imaging during evacuation).
- Anorectal manometry to measure pressures.
Treatments
Biofeedback rehabilitation is the first-line treatment: it re-teaches relaxing the pelvic floor while pushing. Surgery may be proposed for a large rectocele.
Around a bowel obstruction and its treatment, enemas and straining can cause unexpected leakage. A Mati underpad on the bed and a Combi brief with tabs protect linen during this period.
Educational content written for families and caregivers. It does not replace a consultation: a doctor, a continence nurse or a physiotherapist makes the diagnosis and chooses the treatment.