Obstrukció

Obstrukció is the blockage of the normal flow of contents through a hollow organ or passage. It can be mechanical, with a physical barrier, or functional (ileus), due to impaired motility without a physical blockage. The term is used across medical disciplines, including gastroenterology, urology, biliary and respiratory systems.

In the gastrointestinal tract, obstrukció may involve the small or large bowel. Mechanical obstructions are commonly caused by postoperative adhesions, hernias, tumors, volvulus, or intussusception. Functional ileus results from reduced or absent peristalsis due to surgery, infection, medications, or metabolic disturbances. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, vomiting, distension, and obstipation. Diagnosis relies on history, examination, and imaging such as abdominal X-ray or CT. Ultrasound can aid certain cases, especially in children. Laboratory tests may show electrolyte disturbances or signs of infection.

Management focuses on stabilization and addressing the underlying cause. Initial steps include fluid resuscitation, electrolyte correction, analgesia, and bowel rest with decompression if needed, such as a nasogastric tube. Many simple obstructions resolve without surgery; however, signs of strangulation, perforation, or failure of nonoperative treatment require urgent surgical intervention.

Obstrukció can also involve other systems, such as the urinary tract (ureteral or bladder obstruction from stones, strictures, or prostatic enlargement), the biliary tract (gallstones causing ductal obstruction), or the airways (foreign body or edema). Diagnosis and treatment are system-specific, guided by clinical assessment and imaging.

Prognosis varies with cause, timeliness of treatment, and the presence of complications like strangulation or infection.