There could be many reasons for an obstruction including:

  • Adhesions (fibrous tissue build-up from previous surgeries)
  • Inflamed or infected tissue (such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Hernia
  • Tumours (cancerous or non-cancerous)
  • Twisted or collapsed section of your bowel

Left untreated a bowel obstruction can result in cutting off the blood supply to a part of your bowel causing major damage.

Symptoms of a bowel obstruction may include feeling bloated or full, pain, nausea and vomiting or constipation. Since these symptoms can relate to many conditions, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.