Obstruktion

Obstruktion is a medical term describing the blockage of a passage within the body, hindering the flow of contents through a lumen or duct. It can be mechanical, due to a physical obstacle, or functional, due to impaired motility without a discrete blockage.

Common sites include the gastrointestinal tract, airways, urinary tract, and, less frequently, the biliary and vascular systems. In the gastrointestinal tract, obstructions can affect the small or large intestine and may be partial or complete.

Causes of mechanical obstruction include adhesions from prior surgery, hernias, tumors, volvulus, diverticular disease, and gallstone ileus. Urinary obstructions result from stones, strictures, or benign prostatic enlargement; airway obstructions may involve foreign bodies, edema, or trauma.

Functional obstruction, or ileus, arises when intestinal movement is reduced or absent, often after surgery, infection, electrolyte disturbances, or systemic illness.

Clinical features depend on the location but commonly include abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, constipation or obstipation, and reduced urine output when the urinary tract is involved or absent bowel sounds in ileus. Imaging with ultrasound or radiography, computed tomography, and laboratory tests support diagnosis.

Management focuses on relieving the blockage and treating underlying causes. Initial care emphasizes stabilization, fluid and electrolyte correction, and decompression when appropriate. GI obstructions may require nasogastric decompression or surgical intervention, especially if there is ischemia or failure of nonoperative management. Prognosis varies with cause, site, and timing of treatment.