Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction is a blockage that keeps food or liquid from passing through your small or large intestine. While causes of intestinal obstruction may include Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, hernias and colon cancer, the most common cause is fibrous bands of tissue known as adhesions that form in the abdomen after surgery.

Without treatment, the blocked parts of the intestine can die, leading to serious problems, but with prompt medical care, intestinal obstruction can often be successfully treated. Dr. Erica Loomis, a Mayo Clinic trauma and critical care surgeon, explains what causes intestinal obstruction and how it's treated.