Pathophysiology: Small Bowel Obstruction The effect of small bowel obstruction is connected to its start and location. The start, location, and length of the intestinal tract nearest to the obstruction and the existence and severity of ischemia. The cause of small bowel obstruction include hernias, adhesions within the abdomen and tumors. The lumen near the obstruction fills with a massive amount of fluid and gas. The obstruction keeps water and electrolytes from properly absorbing. As a result, buldup of fluid occurs in the intestinal lumen from the vascular space. With small bowel obstruction distention occurs instantly. The distention is caused by a mixture of excessive growth of bacteria, fluid, and the swallowing of air, which
