How long can you live without surgery for intestinal obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction is a disease that requires high attention. In severe cases, it may be life-threatening and must be treated with medical attention as soon as possible.

Intestinal obstruction refers to the inability of intestinal contents to pass normally due to various reasons. Common causes include intestinal scar adhesions, tumors or inflammation, which can cause intestinal blockage. Depending on the degree of blockage, intestinal obstruction is divided into complete and partial. Complete intestinal obstruction usually requires surgical intervention, while partial obstruction can sometimes be treated conservatively.

If intestinal obstruction is not treated promptly, it can lead to distension, ischemia, and even necrosis of the intestine. Once the blood supply to the intestinal wall is blocked, toxins may enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic infection (sepsis). The exact survival time without surgery varies depending on the patient's physical condition and the cause of the obstruction, but can range from a few days to several weeks.

If you experience symptoms of intestinal obstruction, such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, or cessation of bowel movements or flatulence, you should seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively improve prognosis, and delayed treatment carries a high risk.