Dying from small bowel obstruction is not common. Small bowel obstruction is a rare but serious condition where there is a blockage in the small intestine for various reasons. If left untreated, however, small bowel obstruction can lead to life-threatening complications. Fortunately, people who receive timely treatment often have a good prognosis. Surgery is the primary treatment for most cases of small bowel obstruction.

What Causes Small Bowel Obstruction?

There are several potential causes of small bowel obstruction. One common cause is adhesions, which are scar tissues formed after previous surgeries. These adhesions can create bands that constrict the bowel from the outside, causing a blockage. Other causes include:

  • Cancer

  • Foreign bodies

  • Impacted stool

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  • Internal hernias (pockets where the bowel gets trapped)

  • Volvulus (twisting of the intestine)

Small bowel obstructions can develop months or even years after surgery. There is no set timeline for when they might occur, making it impossible to predict or prevent them, even though they are not very common.

How Often Does It Lead to Death?

Although death from small bowel obstruction is a potential complication, it typically occurs when the condition is left untreated. The obstruction would need to progress significantly before it becomes life-threatening, and even then, death is not a common outcome. Some studies show that up to 10% of people with small bowel obstructions may die from the condition.

Complications from untreated small bowel obstruction can include:

  • Aspiration: Breathing in foreign bodies, such as food

  • Bowel necrosis: Tissue death or perforation (holes in the bowel)

  • Intra-abdominal abscess: A pus-filled pocket in the abdominal tissues

  • Short bowel syndrome: Malabsorption due to a shortened or damaged small bowel

  • Wound dehiscence: A wound reopening due to improper healing

Small Bowel Obstruction Treatment

The treatment for small bowel obstructions primarily involves surgery, though some cases, such as ileus or partial obstructions, may not require surgery. When surgery is necessary, additional treatments may include:

  • Antibiotics

  • Fluid resuscitation (administering fluids and electrolytes)

  • Nasogastric decompression (inserting a tube through the nose to relieve stomach fluid)

  • Pain management

When To See a Healthcare Provider

If you've had abdominal surgery, it's important to be vigilant for signs of small bowel obstruction, as it can develop long after the procedure. Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Abdominal cramping, fullness, or pain

  • Breath with an odor

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Difficulty passing gas

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Abdominal distention (swelling)

A Quick Review

Small bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine that can be caused by various factors, including adhesions, cancer, or impacted stool. While death from small bowel obstruction is rare, complications can occur if the condition is not treated promptly. Surgery, along with other treatments like antibiotics and fluid management, is often needed for recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of a positive outcome.