Lower abdominal and pelvic surgeries lead to obstruction more often than upper gastrointestinal surgeries.
Strangulated obstructions are surgical emergencies.
If not diagnosed and properly managed, vascular compromise leads to bowel ischemia and further morbidity and mortality. This leads to increased peristalsis both above and below the obstruction. Frequent loose stools and flatus are seen early in its course. Vomiting occurs if the level of obstruction is proximal. Increasing small bowel distention leads to increased intraluminal pressures.