Introduction
Intestinal obstruction may be classified into two types.
• Dynamic — where
peristalsis is working against a mechanical obstruction. The obstructing
lesion may be:
—
intraluminal, for example impacted faeces, foreign bodies,bezoar, gallstones;
— intramural, for example malignant or inflammatory strictures;
—
extramural, for example intraperitoneal bands and adhesions, hernias, volvulus or
intussusception.
• Adynamic — this may occur in two forms. Peristalsis may be absent (e.g. paralytic ileus) or it may be present in a non-propulsive form (e.g. mesenteric vascular occlusion or
pseudo-obstruction). In both types a mechanical element is absent.