Question:
What causes bowel obstructions?

I have researched the data base looking for an answer for this question but no one seems to really know. Has anyone asked their doctor lately? (It's number one on my list for my next visit!) What causes bowel obstructions? When is it most likely that they will occur? Is it something we will have to worry about forever post op?    — Karen B. (posted on June 3, 2001)

June 3, 2001
Hernia, adhesions, and tumor can be just some reasons....Depending on if small bowel or large bowel the treatment and tests..
   — Victoria B.

June 3, 2001
I am six weeks post op from bowel obstruction surgery. I was 10 months post-op from WLS at the time. Mine was caused by an adhesion. I was the first patient my doc has had with this complication in over 600 surgeries. It is a very rare thing to happen from what I understand. I hope this helps. Luv,....
   — heidiinPA

June 7, 2001
Bowel obstructions are generally caused by adhesions. They can occur anytime after ANY surgery, particularly abdominal surgery. My hubby had his appendix out and must grow adhesions like weeds because he routinely had bowel obstructions and surgery almost every 5 years like clockwork. Every time the do surgery for bowel obstructions, they cause more adhesions to grow. It's a chance you take with any abdominal surgery and is very common!
   — Anika R.