The 3 main types of acute intestinal obstruction are paralytic ileus, mechanical obstruction, and vascular obstruction.
1.Paralytic ileus: Obstruction is due to inhibition of intestinal motility: Vomiting and intractable constipation are common symptoms. Peristalsis is markedly diminished or absent. The abdomen is distended and may or may not be tender.
2.Mechanical obstruction: The lumen of the bowel is blocked due to incarceration, strangulation, neoplasm or volvulus. Crampy abdominal pain is typical; inability to pass stools is always noted. Vomiting is usually present. The abdomen is distended with hyperactive peristalsis.
3.Vascular obstruction: The most common causes are mesenteric artery occlusion and mesenteric vein thrombosis. Patients are usually elderly. There is sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stools and shock. The abdomen is tender, peristalsis diminished or absent.
