Mechanical

interruption of normal passage through the bowel due to a structural barrier (tumor, adhesions).

• Hernia
• Adhesion - common following past surgery or inflammations. scar tissue strangulates intestinal loops.
• Intussusception
• volvulus
• tumours
• strictures

**Functional (**Paralytic ileus)

Temporary functional impairment of peristalsis in the absence of a mechanical obstruction (pseudo-obstruction)

• ischemia/infarction
• inflammation (toxic megacolon)
• ?Oeglevie syndrome? - disruption to autonomic function from mets
  • retropreitoneal pathologies
  • elderly bedbound patients most common
  • need to treat with enemas while avoiding oral stuff
  • stimulate bottom end while preventing further obstruction - neostigmine (care triggering arrhythmia). small frequent doses are safer.

Aetiology

Small Bowel