Increased bowel sounds

Differential Diagnosis
In alphabetical order.


 * Abscess
 * Acute gastroenteritis
 * Adhesions (from previous surgery)
 * Benign etiologies
 * Carcinoid syndrome
 * Colonic-pseudo obstruction
 * Crohn's disease
 * Diarrhea
 * Foreign body
 * Gallstone ileus
 * Hernias
 * Hiatal hernia
 * Infection
 * Intussusception
 * Lactase deficiency
 * Malabsorption syndrome
 * Mechanical bowel obstruction
 * Neoplasms
 * Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
 * Succussion splash
 * Volvulus

History and Symptoms

 * Complete history is critical

Physical Examination

 * Complete physical including rectal exam
 * Vitals (for dehydration and fever)
 * Sounds ascultated before palpation

Abdomen

 * Exam should include hernia orifices and signs of incarceration and strangulation

Laboratory Findings

 * Complete blood count (CBC)
 * Calcium
 * Glucose
 * Amylase
 * Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine
 * Liver function tests (LFTs)
 * Lipase
 * Urinalysis

Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies

 * Electrolytes

X-Ray

 * X-rays (flat and upright) are useful for urinalysis

MRI and CT

 * Etiology is demonstrated best by abdominal CT scan

Other Diagnostic Studies

 * Enteroclysis helps to determine degree of obstruction

Treatment

 * Volume replacement of electrolytes and fluids
 * No oral intake (partial obstructions)
 * IV fluids (partial obstructions)
 * Nasogastric decompression for partial bowel obstructions

Surgery and Device Based Therapy

 * Complete bowel obstruction usually requires surgical intervention