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In most cases, surgery is necessary. While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made in the midline of the abdomen. In the case of adhesions, the adhesion is removed, thus relieving the obstruction. In the case of a hernia, the hernia is repaired. If colon cancer is present, cancerous areas are removed, which also relieves the obstruction.
Review Date 3/31/2024
Updated by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
