Intestinal Obstruction By Parswa Ansari, MD, Hofstra Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Reviewed / Revised Apr 2023 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Cecal Volvulus (Abdominal... Volvulus Small-Bowel Obstruction... Small-Bowel Obstruction... Small-Bowel Obstruction... Causes of Intestinal Obstruction Intestinal obstruction is significant mechanical impairment or complete arrest of the passage of contents through the intestine due to pathology that causes blockage of the bowel.