Effect of modified gastrointestinal decompression under abdominal CT in patients with intestinal obstruction

Abstract

Introduction We aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous quality improvement on modified gastrointestinal decompression under abdominal computed tomography (CT) in patients with intestinal obstruction. Methods The CT images of 74 patients with intestinal obstruction who underwent gastrointestinal decompression in our hospital from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019 were analysed retrospectively (Control group). Factors influencing unsatisfactory decompression effects were analysed, and corresponding improvement measures were formulated and implemented. A total of 77 patients from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022 were enrolled prospectively (Study group). The position of the nasogastric tube end, the amount of gastric drainage within 24h and the degree of abdominal distension relief were compared before and after the improvement. Results After implementation of continuous quality improvement, the proportion of the end of the nasogastric tube reaching the antrum, the amount of gastric fluid drainage within 24h and the degree of abdominal distension relief were better than those before improvement (p<0.001, respectively). The execution rate and accuracy rate of CT interpretations by nurses reached 100% and 82%, respectively. Conclusions Modified gastrointestinal decompression based on abdominal CT scans can increase the success of gastrointestinal decompression and effectively reduce the discomfort of patients.