Treatment. In some cases, the patient benefits from having a diagnostic test using air. This treatment is especially useful in correcting an intussusception. The air is introduced into the bowel through a tube inserted into the patient’s rectum. The doctor may be able to remove a fecal impaction through a rectal examination. They simply insert a gloved finger into the rectum and break up the mass of feces. The stool can then be removed through irrigation.
In other cases, the doctor inserts a nasogastric tube to remove the contents in the patient’s stomach and the contents in the bowel that are found above the blockage. Since the patient has lost fluid, they will often have IV fluids and electrolytes. The doctor prescribes antibiotics to guard against infection. In some cases, surgery needs to be performed to clear the blockage. The patient shouldn’t eat or drink until the obstruction is cleared. This might necessitate them receiving intravenous nourishment.
