Intestinal obstruction is a condition in which the contents of the intestine do not function properly and pass smoothly through the bowel. It is mainly caused by intestinal adhesions following abdominal surgery, but can also be caused by hernias, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis of the small intestine, intestinal torsion, intussusception and dry faeces. The prognosis for intestinal obstruction varies, with most patients recovering to normal with a good prognosis, but severe cases are likely to be life-threatening.