Acute Obstructive Abdomen Assessed POCUS

The acute obstructive abdomen is a clinical syndrome characterized by partial or complete interruption of intestinal transit. This condition can affect both the small and large bowel and is considered a medical emergency due to the risk of severe complications such as intestinal ischemia, perforation, and peritonitis [1].The obstruction may be incomplete, in which there is partial blockage of the intestinal lumen, or complete, characterized by total blockage of the lumen. Additionally, this condition can be classified as mechanical or functional [1].In mechanical obstruction, there is a physical barrier that prevents the normal flow of intestinal contents. This barrier may be intraluminal (within the intestinal lumen), such as in cases of tumors or foreign bodies; mural (within the intestinal wall), such as in inflammatory diseases or neoplasms; or extraluminal (outside the intestine), such as in adhesions, hernias, or external compressions. Mechanical obstruction is one of the most common causes of acute obstructive abdomen [2].Functional obstruction is characterized by interruption of intestinal motility due to neuromuscular alterations, without the presence of a physical barrier. This may occur secondary to abdominal surgeries, intra-abdominal infections, metabolic disturbances (such as hypokalemia), or systemic diseases. In this condition, the intestine is unable to perform the peristaltic movements required for the transit of contents, even though no mechanical obstruction is present [2].