Clinical study of bowel obstruction in relation to etiological factors

Abstract

Background: Acute intestinal obstruction is one of common abdominal emergency and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if it progresses to bowel ischemia. The aims of this study was to analyse various modes of presentation of acute intestinal obstruction in both children and adult age group, etiopathogenesis, various therapeutic modalities of treatment and to accomplish operative management and anticipate the post operative complications.Methods: 50 consecutive patients of all age groups presenting with acute intestinal obstruction were admitted were taken randomly and managed between October 2013 to September 2015.Out of these 50 cases, 36 were male, 14 were female, patients with subacute intestinal obstruction and patients with paralytic ileus were excluded in this study. Plain X-ray erect abdomen was done in all cases. Ultrasonography was done only in those patients whose X-ray finding was inconclusive. CT as a modality also included for work up.Results: Mean age distribution was 35.4years and the standard deviation measured 24.57. Incidence in male (36) was more as compared to female population (14). Pain abdomen was found in 45(90%) patients, vomiting in 35(70%) patients, distension abdomen in 34 (68%) patients and constipation in 30 (60%) patients were noted as many patients had coincidence of symptoms. Commonest cause of acute intestinal obstruction noted was postoperative adhesions.Conclusions: Postoperative adhesions were the commonest cause of obstruction. Earlier the presentation, the better the outcome was found.