Bowel Obstruction

A bowel obstruction is a blockage that prevents food and waste from passing through the small or large intestines. A number of conditions can cause a bowel obstruction. Most of the time these conditions may be treatable, and you may only require parenteral support (HPS) for short periods. However, in rare occasions the reason for your obstruction is not reversible and therefore you are unable to eat and drink which may result in long-term HPS. These conditions include adhesions (scar tissue) from previous surgery, gallstones, tumours and inflammatory bowel diseases. 

Further information on Inflammatory bowel diseases can be found in our Inflammatory bowel section.