Also known as: Colic

Impaction
Simple Obstruction
Small Intestinal Simple Obstruction
Small Intestinal Obstruction
Small Intestinal Impaction


Description

Signalment

Aetiology

Clinical Signs

Typical signs associated with small intestinal obstruction:

  • Moderate to severe colic
  • Nasogastric reflux may take a considerable time to develop because the ileum is the distal-most part of the small intestine


Diagnosis

Usually made at surgery


Treatment

Medical treatment may resolve the impaction(36) but surgery is typically required. At surgery, fluids can be directly infused into the mass so that the impaction can be manually broken down. Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) may be included in the infusion to help disrupt the mass. An enterotomy should be considered to evacuate impacted contents and reduce intestinal manipulation.


Complications

Extensive small intestinal distension and intraoperative manipulation of the ileum may lead to postoperative ileus(42) but the risk is reduced if the duration between disease onset and surgical intervention is decreased(35)


Prognosis

The prognosis for survival is good(35,36).

Prevention

References