A clinical study of gastrointestinal obstruction among children in a tertiary referral centre of North India

Abstract

Background: Children are a unique lot in that, since, in contrast to adults, in which post op adhesive obstruction and inflammatory causes predominate, in children congenital causes also make a significant part.Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the clinico pathological data of patients (between 1 month and 12 years of age) who presented to the department of surgery, MLNMC, Prayagraj with clinical diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. The study included patients who were admitted to the department between April 2013 and April 2019.Results: A total of 130 patients were admitted in pediatric unit of general surgery department during the study period. Of these 83 were males and 47 were females. In the end, 116 fulfilled the inclusion or exclusion criteria. 21 patients were successfully managed conservatively. 95 were operated.Conclusions: Intussusception is the most common cause. Kochs abdomen is the most common cause in children >5years with a vast majority being females. Majority of the patients whose clinical diagnosis is Koch’s abdomen, post-operative adhesive obstruction or worm infestation can be conservatively managed. Obstructed inguinal hernia still remains a potential preventable cause of intestinal obstruction.