A bowel obstruction as a result of an abdominal hernia
An abdominal hernia can be extremely painful. However, unless monitored closely, it can also lead to more dangerous conditions.
What does a bowel obstruction mean?
A bowel obstruction refers to a situation where the movement of food, waste and gas through the intestines is restricted or completely blocked due to a disruption of the intestinal passage. This may mean that undigested food accumulates above the blockage, leading to pain and swelling of the belly. In extreme circumstances, it may lead to a collapse in the intestinal wall.
The symptoms of an obstructed bowel include:
It is important that medical practitioners can recognise the symptoms of an obstructed bowel as the effects of this condition can be life-threatening.
The key symptoms of an obstructed bowel include the following:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- A bloated abdomen
- Liquid stools (where there is a partial blockage)
It is also possible that the patient suffering these symptoms has a pre-existing condition, such as a hernia, colorectal cancer or Crohn's disease that should alert the medical practitioners to the possibility of a bowel obstruction.
The possible life-threatening effects of an obstructed bowel
If a part of the bowel becomes obstructed, it can cause a reduction in the blood supply to the surrounding and supporting tissue. If this tissue is starved of blood, it may die, undermining the strength of the intestinal wall, leading to a tear or perforation of the bowel. This is a medical emergency as it is likely to lead to the leakage of waste from the intestine into the abdominal cavity, which can cause peritonitis. If the bacteria make their way into the bloodstream, this can lead to blood-poisoning, organ failure and death.
Why a hernia might lead to an obstructed bowel?
An obstructed bowel can be the result of an abdominal hernia. An abdominal hernia is where a hole develops in the abdominal lining, allowing a part of one of the internal organs (most likely the small intestine) to push through. The successful functioning of the bowel becomes negatively impacted in this way.
An obstructed bowel can also be the product of an inadequate repair following surgery to the abdomen for another, unrelated reason.
Treatment of an obstructed bowel
As mentioned earlier, the effects of an obstructed bowel can be life-threatening if there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment, leading to the perforation of the bowel and the development of peritonitis and sepsis.
It is important, therefore, that the symptoms of an obstructed bowel are recognised and acted upon by medical practitioners as quickly as possible.
Where a hernia has occurred, it is important that there is an effective repair to the damaged tissue in order to prevent a subsequent possible bowel obstruction.
Medical Negligence
If you have experienced significant ill-health due to a failure to diagnose a bowel obstruction or bowel perforation, you may be in a position to make a claim for medical negligence.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your circumstances with a solicitor experienced in medical negligence claims.
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