# Constipation

Constipation

This may be classified as absolute (i.e. neither faeces nor flatus is passed) or relative (where only flatus is passed). Absolute consti - pation is a cardinal feature of  complete intestinal obstruction. Some patients may pass flatus or faeces after the onset of obstruction as a result of  the evacuation of  the distal bowel contents. The administration of  enemas should be avoided in cases of suspected obstruction. This merely stimulates evacu - - ation of  bowel contents distal to the obstruction and confuses the clinical picture. 

Figure 78.8
Visible peristalsis. Intestinal obstruction due to a strangu
-
lated right femoral hernia (arrow).

obstruction does not apply in: /uni25CF Richter’s hernia; /uni25CF gallstone ileus; /uni25CF mesenteric vascular occlusion; /uni25CF functional obstruction associated with pelvic abscess; /uni25CF all cases of  partial obstruction (in which diarrhoea may occur).