Initial treatment for intestinal obstruction is a nasogastric (NG) tube, which is inserted into the nostril, down the throat and esophagus, and into the stomach. The tube is attached to a pump, which removes air and digested food. This relieves pressure that has built up behind the obstructed portion of the intestine. Most of the time, the obstruction resolves.

Additional treatment for intestinal obstruction may include:

• Intravenous fluid
• Narcotic pain medication
• Colonoscopy for intestinal obstruction
• Abdominal surgery for intestinal obstruction:
• Laparoscopic surgery for intestinal obstruction
• Intestinal obstruction clinical trials