NOT a cause of dynamic bowel obstruction?

NOT a cause of dynamic bowel obstruction?

• A. Adhesions
• B. Hernia
• C. Tumor or abnormal growth
• D. Ischemia

Answer: (D)

Dynamic bowel obstruction occurs when the intestines fail to move contents due to impaired motility, not because something is physically blocking the lumen. Factors that slow or halt peristalsis—like electrolyte disturbances, certain medications (opioids, anticholinergics), and the postoperative or inflammatory state—are classic causes of this functional form. The other items listed are classic mechanical blockers: adhesions can tether loops of bowel, a hernia can trap a segment, and a tumor or abnormal growth can narrow or occlude the passage. Ischemia, by contrast, is a vascular problem that damages bowel tissue and can lead to severe pain and necrosis, but it is not a primary driver of a dynamic (functional) obstruction. Therefore ischemia is not a cause of dynamic bowel obstruction.

Dynamic bowel obstruction occurs when the intestines fail to move contents due to impaired motility, not because something is physically blocking the lumen. Factors that slow or halt peristalsis—like electrolyte disturbances, certain medications (opioids, anticholinergics), and the postoperative or inflammatory state—are classic causes of this functional form.

The other items listed are classic mechanical blockers: adhesions can tether loops of bowel, a hernia can trap a segment, and a tumor or abnormal growth can narrow or occlude the passage. Ischemia, by contrast, is a vascular problem that damages bowel tissue and can lead to severe pain and necrosis, but it is not a primary driver of a dynamic (functional) obstruction. Therefore ischemia is not a cause of dynamic bowel obstruction.