Blocked bowel (bowel obstruction)
Sometimes, colon cancer can narrow the bowel, which stops stools (poo) from passing through. This is called a bowel obstruction.
What is a blocked bowel (bowel obstruction)?
Sometimes, colon cancer can narrow the bowel, which stops poo (stools) from passing through. This is called a bowel obstruction. It is sometimes called an intestinal obstruction.
Symptoms of a bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction can cause symptoms such as abdominal (tummy) pain, bloating and vomiting. It usually needs to be treated urgently. A blocked bowel can be relieved in different ways.
Stenting to relieve a bowel obstruction
The doctor uses a colonoscope to insert an expandable metal tube (stent) into the blockage. They may also use an x-ray to see where to insert the tube. The tube then expands to hold the bowel open, so stools can pass through it again. You are usually given sedation to have this done.
You may have a stent for a short time before having an operation to remove the cancer. Or sometimes a stent stays in permanently to treat the blockage. Your doctors will explain what the aim of the stent is in your situation.
Surgery to relieve a bowel obstruction
Sometimes a bowel obstruction is treated with an operation to remove the blocked section of bowel. Most people have a temporary or permanent stoma after this operation. The surgeon may remove the cancer at the same time, or later in another operation.
If it is not possible to remove the cancer, the blocked bowel can be relieved by creating a stoma. This means you pass stools (poo) out of the stoma.
Related pages
About our information
-
References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our bowel cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
R Glynne-Jones, PJ Nilson, C Aschele et al. ESMO-ESSO-ESTRO Clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow up for anal cancer. July 2014. European Society of Medical Oncology. Available from www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Gastrointestinal-Cancers/Anal-Cancer (accessed October 2019).
National Institute for Health and Excellence (NICE). Colorectal cancer: diagnosis and management clinical guidelines. Updated December 2014. Available from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg131 (accessed October 2019).
Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland (ACPGBI). Volume 19. Issue S1. Guidelines for the management of cancer of the colon, rectum and anus. 2017. Available from www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14631318/19/S1 (accessed October 2019).
BMJ. Best practice colorectal cancer. Updated 2018. Available from www.bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/258 (accessed October 2019).
-
Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Chief Medical Editor, Professor Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.
Date reviewed
This content is currently being reviewed. New information will be coming soon.
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.