In abdominal ultrasound, a bowel obstruction is a critical medical condition characterized by a blockage that prevents the normal passage of food, fluids, and gas through the intestines. This obstruction can be mechanical, caused by adhesions, tumors, or hernias, or functional, often due to paralytic ileus. Early ultrasound detection is crucial for timely intervention, helping to differentiate between types and pinpoint the obstruction’s location.
Ultrasound examination for bowel obstruction typically reveals dilated, fluid-filled loops of bowel with increased peristalsis in the early stages, often described as a “keyboard sign.” As the condition progresses, a “to-and-fro” motion of intraluminal contents may be observed, aiding in accurate diagnosis and guiding subsequent clinical management to prevent serious complications like bowel ischemia or perforation.
