ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE

Abstract

Background and Aim: Bowel obstruction is the most common intra-abdominal problem faced by general surgeons in their practice. Therefore better understanding of pathophysiology, improvement in diagnostic techniques, fluid and electrolyte correction, much potent antibiotics and knowledge of intensive care is required. present study was undertaken to study the management and post-operative complications of intestinal obstruction.
 Material and Methods: This is a prospective study of 97 cases presenting with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute intestinal obstruction. All patients are subjected to required preoperative biochemical investigations. Patients who showed reduction in abdominal distention and improvement in general condition especially in individuals with postoperative adhesions, a chance of conservative management was taken (by extending the supportive treatment) for further 12 to 24 hours; those who showed improvement by moving bowels, reduction in pain and tenderness was decided for conservative treatment, such individuals were excluded in this study.
 Results: The occurrence of acute intestinal obstruction was common in male in comparison with female. The commonest presenting symptom was abdominal pain (100%) followed by vomiting (92.7%), distention of abdomen (87.6%) and absolute constipation (53.6%). In this study, Adhesive obstruction (56.7%) was the commonest cause of acute intestinal obstruction. Release of adhesions and bands was done in 43 cases. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis was done in 25 cases, which included cases of intussusceptions, adhesions, stricture, ileocaecal growth, colonic growth.
 Conclusion: Most common etiological factor for intestinal obstruction is postoperative adhesions. Obstructed Inguinal Hernia is second most common cause of intestinal obstruction. Clinic radiological and operative findings put together can bring about the best and accurate diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.
 Key Words: Abdominal pain, Adhesions, Bands, Bowel obstruction, Inguinal Hernia,