This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Characteristics of pain in bowel obstruction

Authoring team

Pain is not, in general, the most prominent symptom of bowel obstruction.

The site of pain reflects the embryological origin of the piece of gut involved:

  • upper abdominal pain is due to foregut involvement: - the foregut ends at the ampulla Vater
  • mid-abdominal pain is due to midgut involvement: - the midgut ends two-thirds along the transverse colon
  • lower abdominal pain is due to hindgut involvement

The pain is usually colicky because it is caused by peristalsis trying to overcome the obstruction. If the pain is constant then this is suggestive of strangulation.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.