ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

What is the main treatment for an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract?

1. Fluid resuscitation

2. Surgical intervention

3. Antibiotics

4. Nasogastric decompression

The correct answer is: Surgical intervention

Surgical intervention is considered the main treatment for an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract primarily because it addresses the underlying cause of the obstruction. Obstructions can result from various factors, including tumors, adhesions, hernias, or volvulus, and surgical intervention is often necessary to remove the blockage or correct the anatomical defect causing it. In many cases, while other supportive measures like fluid resuscitation or nasogastric decompression may be employed to manage symptoms or prepare the patient for surgery, these treatments do not resolve the obstruction itself. Fluid resuscitation is important in maintaining hydration, especially if the patient has been vomiting or is unable to eat, but it does not eliminate the obstruction. Antibiotics may be useful if there is a suspicion of infection, particularly in the case of bowel ischemia or perforation, but they do not treat the obstructive process directly. Nasogastric decompression can provide symptomatic relief by removing gastric contents and reducing distension, yet like fluid resuscitation, it is not a definitive treatment for the obstruction. Surgical intervention directly addresses the problem, making it the essential approach for resolving gastrointestinal obstructions effectively.