What to do about intestinal obstruction due to rectal cancer

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, intestinal obstruction caused by colorectal cancer may result from improper dietary habits, disordered bowel habits, direct tumor blockage of the intestinal lumen, intestinal adhesions, or gastrointestinal infections. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is essential to strictly follow a low-fat, high-protein, easily digestible diet, and eat small meals frequently.

In general, intestinal obstruction caused by colorectal cancer may result from improper diet, disordered bowel habits, direct tumor blockage of the intestinal lumen, intestinal adhesions, or gastrointestinal infections. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medications, and other treatments. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Improper dietary structure: Consuming excessive hard or sticky foods can lead to accumulation at the site of tumor-induced narrowing, triggering intestinal obstruction. Immediately switch to a liquid diet such as rice soup or vegetable broth, avoid coarse grains and sticky foods, and consider short-term fasting if necessary, with nutritional support provided intravenously.

2. Disordered bowel habits: Long-term suppression of the urge to defecate can cause fecal impaction, worsening intestinal blockage. Follow medical advice to use lactulose oral solution to soften stools, develop a habit of regular bowel movements, avoid excessive straining during defecation, and use glycerin suppositories when necessary to assist bowel movement.

3. Direct tumor obstruction of the intestinal lumen: As the tumor grows, it occupies space within the intestine, preventing food residue from passing through. Emergency colostomy may be required to temporarily divert the bowel passage and relieve the obstruction. Subsequent treatment should include radical tumor surgery to remove the affected tissue based on the patient’s overall condition.

4. Intestinal adhesions: Adhesions caused by previous rectal cancer surgery or inflammation can narrow the intestinal lumen and trigger obstruction. During the acute phase, fasting and water restriction are required. Follow medical instructions to use antibiotics such as ceftriaxone sodium injection, metronidazole injection, and levofloxacin injection to prevent infection. Surgical adhesion lysis may be necessary in severe cases to release the adhesions.

5. Intestinal infection: Infection-induced bowel wall edema and thickening can exacerbate luminal narrowing and lead to obstruction. Follow medical advice to take antibiotics such as cefixime dispersible tablets, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or azithromycin capsules to control infection, while receiving intravenous electrolyte solutions to maintain fluid balance.

In daily life, strictly adhere to a low-fat, high-protein, easily digestible diet with small, frequent meals. Avoid strenuous exercise; light walking after meals may help digestion. Regular colonoscopies and tumor marker tests should be performed to closely monitor disease progression and adjust treatment plans promptly.

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Can the anus be preserved during surgery for rectal cancer?

In general, whether the anus is preserved during surgery for rectal cancer mainly depends on the tumor's location, size, stage, and the patient's specific health condition. Patients who retain their anus should initially follow a liquid diet after surgery, gradually transitioning to soft foods, and consume more high-fiber foods to maintain regular bowel movements. Patients with a stoma need to regularly clean the stoma site, change the ostomy bag, and prevent local skin infections.

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What causes blood in stool after surgery for rectal cancer?

In general, postoperative rectal bleeding after colorectal cancer surgery may be caused by oozing from the anastomotic site during healing, dietary irritation of the intestinal mucosa, intestinal flora imbalance, ulcerative colitis, or rectal polyps. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Maintain regular bowel habits in daily life, avoid prolonged squatting and straining during defecation, and keep the perianal area clean.

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How is early-stage rectal cancer surgically treated?

Surgical approaches for early-stage rectal cancer include endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection, laparoscopic radical rectal resection, robot-assisted laparoscopic radical rectal resection, and open radical rectal resection, with the choice depending on factors such as tumor location and size. If symptoms such as rectal bleeding or abdominal pain occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to establish an accurate diagnosis.

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What should be done if rectal cancer recurs after surgery?

In general, recurrence after rectal cancer surgery may be caused by factors such as decreased immunity, inadequate postoperative care, residual tumor cells, chronic inflammatory stimulation in the intestine, and poor nutritional status. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo comprehensive treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, exposure to carcinogenic factors minimized, and bowel movements kept regular.