How to treat intestinal obstruction caused by pancreatitis

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, the treatment of intestinal obstruction caused by pancreatitis mainly includes fasting and fluid restriction, gastrointestinal decompression, fluid replacement, medication, surgical intervention, and nutritional support. During treatment, patients must strictly follow medical advice and actively cooperate with all therapeutic measures. In the recovery phase, diet should be gradually adjusted in a stepwise manner, starting with liquid foods and slowly transitioning to semi-liquid and then soft foods.

In general, the treatment methods for intestinal obstruction caused by pancreatitis mainly include fasting and gastrointestinal decompression, fluid replacement therapy, medication, surgical intervention, and nutritional support. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Fasting and Gastrointestinal Decompression

Fasting prevents food from stimulating gastrointestinal secretions, reduces the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, and helps prevent worsening of pancreatitis and intestinal obstruction symptoms. Gastrointestinal decompression involves inserting a nasogastric tube to remove accumulated fluid and gas from the stomach, thereby reducing intraluminal pressure in the gastrointestinal tract, relieving bowel distension, improving blood circulation in the intestinal wall, and creating favorable conditions for recovery of bowel function.

2. Fluid Replacement Therapy

Pancreatitis often leads to significant fluid loss, while intestinal obstruction can easily cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Fluid replacement therapy involves intravenous administration of normal saline, glucose solution, potassium chloride solution, etc., to replenish lost fluids, electrolytes, and energy, maintain stable circulation, correct acid-base disturbances, and protect vital organ functions.

3. Medication

Drug therapy aims to control both pancreatitis and relieve intestinal obstruction. Under medical guidance, patients may receive somatostatin or octreotide injections to inhibit pancreatic secretion and reduce pancreatic inflammation; cefoperazone-sulbactam sodium injection to prevent infection; and pethidine hydrochloride injection to alleviate severe abdominal pain.

4. Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments fail and complications such as bowel necrosis, perforation, or severe obstruction occur, timely surgery is required. Common procedures include adhesiolysis (to release intestinal adhesions) and bowel resection with anastomosis. These surgeries aim to relieve obstruction, remove necrotic bowel segments, restore intestinal patency, and prevent life-threatening progression of the disease.

5. Nutritional Support

In the early stage of treatment, parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) is primarily used to meet the body's metabolic needs. As bowel function gradually recovers, enteral nutrition is introduced via nasogastric or other routes using easily digestible nutrients. This promotes gastrointestinal recovery, enhances immune function, and supports overall healing.

During treatment, patients must strictly follow medical advice and actively cooperate with all therapeutic measures. In the recovery phase, diet should be reintroduced gradually, starting with liquids, then progressing to semi-liquids and soft foods, avoiding greasy and spicy foods. Regular follow-up evaluations are essential, and any abnormalities such as worsening abdominal pain or fever should be reported to the physician immediately.

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What causes abdominal pain with a constant urge to defecate but inability to pass stool, and what should be done about it?

In general, abdominal pain accompanied by a frequent urge to defecate but difficulty passing stool may be caused by an imbalanced diet, mental stress and anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, proctitis, intestinal obstruction, or other conditions. Patients can choose appropriate management strategies such as lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgical treatment based on their specific condition. It is important in daily life to learn to recognize bodily signals; mild discomfort can initially be addressed by adjusting diet and emotional well-being.

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Does closed-loop intestinal obstruction require surgery?

In general, whether surgery is required for closed-loop intestinal obstruction depends on the specific condition of the bowel's blood supply. If the patient develops acute symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting, immediate medical attention is necessary. Routine care includes keeping the patient strictly nil per os (NPO), performing proper gastrointestinal decompression, maintaining patency of the drainage tube, and monitoring the color, volume, and characteristics of the drainage fluid.

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What causes difficulty with bowel movements during the postpartum confinement period?

In general, difficulty with bowel movements during the postpartum recovery period may be caused by reduced physical activity, dietary imbalance, functional constipation, hemorrhoids, or intestinal obstruction. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it's important to maintain a balanced diet with adequate dietary fiber, follow a regular sleep schedule, and avoid staying up late.