If you or a loved one is experiencing small bowel obstruction for the first time, your mind is likely racing with questions about what can be done to manage the condition, how long it lasts, how doctors can help, and more.
How long does a bowel obstruction last, and what does treatment involve?
If hospitalized, the patient will generally receive a nasogastric (NG) tube through the nose and into the stomach to relieve pressure. Physicians then place a PICC line into a vein to draw blood or to give the patient nutrition, pain medications, etc. If the obstruction does not clear on its own, the medical team will generally recommend open surgery as the primary method to clear the obstruction.
Unfortunately, for many of our patients, bowel obstruction is a recurring event — particularly for those who have had one or more surgeries to clear the obstruction. While surgery can successfully remove existing adhesions, it does not prevent adhesions from forming as the body heals from the latest surgery. Thus, many patients have described feeling trapped in an endless cycle of “adhesions – surgery – adhesions.”
Clear Passage® Physical Therapy is a world leader in the non-surgical treatment of bowel obstruction. Our therapists decrease the adhesions that cause bowel obstruction and help patients put an end to the “adhesions – surgery – adhesions” cycle.
Request a free phone consultation with an expert therapist to learn more.
“If the information in this article sounds like it may relate to what you’re experiencing, the team at Clear Passage® Physical Therapy is here to help. Many people living with this condition simply want to know if there is a natural treatment option without drugs or surgery that could work for them. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can request more information to speak with a knowledgeable team member who will review your situation and help you understand whether this specialized therapy may be a good fit. If you’re ready to move forward, you can also apply for therapy so the clinical staff can carefully review your health history and determine the best path toward relief. Taking a few minutes to reach out could be the first step toward getting answers—and possibly getting your life back.”