Disclosed is a composition for forming a temporary intestinal occlusion in a mammal, said composition being flowable and solidifiable to form a solid plug at a predetermined site in the intestine, the structure of said plug being changeable to allow for a subsequent, at least partial removal of said occlusion, said composition being or comprising a flowable solution, suspension, or dispersion in a solvent or mixed solvent, wherein said composition comprises the following: a) a suspension of a solid in water or an aqueous mixed solvent, the suspension having a water content which exceeds the flow limit of the suspension； b) a dehydrating agent in an amount which is sufficient to bind water in an amount equal to the amount by which said water content of said suspension exceeds said flow limit of said suspension, so that, as a consequence of dehydration, the flow limit of the suspension is exceeded； and c) a means for passivating said dehydrating agent； wherein the suspended solid is selected from starch or cellulose-based polysaccharides, granular plastics, chalk, clay minerals and other inorganic solids, and wherein said dehydrating agent is selected from water-swellable polysaccharides, hygroscopic anhydrous inorganic salts, and water-absorbing polymers.
