Intestinal Obstruction
Type: Symptom
Definition
A partial or complete blockage of the bowel preventing the transit of contents.
Clinical Details
Because adult Ascaris worms can grow up to 30 centimeters in length, a heavy parasite burden can physically entangle into a dense bolus. This massive ball of worms acts as a mechanical plug within the ileocecal valve or small intestine. It is a surgical emergency characterized by severe, unremitting abdominal pain and vomiting.