P76.2: Intestinal obstruction due to inspissated milk

In the period immediately after the birth there was an intestinal obstruction due to thickened milk.

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine (colon) is where water and salt are withdrawn from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine (colon) is the rectum. Stool then leaves the body through the anus. The intestines are like a tube. There is a hollow space on the inside. The intestinal wall lies around this hollow space.

When the transportation of the intestine's content is disrupted, it is known as an intestinal obstruction. This can happen if, for example, the intestine has been narrowed, from the outside or inside, by an obstacle. An intestinal obstruction can cause vomiting, a bloated abdomen or abdominal pain.

The intestine can get blocked by thickened milk. This particularly happens to premature babies who are fed with cow's milk. Premature babies are those born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy.