Management and post operative complication of acute intestinal obstruction

Abstract

Background: Intestinal obstruction remains one of the most common intra-abdominal problems faced by general surgeons in their practice. Its early recognition and aggressive treatment in patients of all ages, including neonates, can prevent irreversible ischemia and transmural necrosis, thereby decreasing mortality and long-term morbidity. Objective of the study was to study the etiological factors, various modes of clinical presentation and management of intestinal obstruction.Methods: Study was conducted by selection of consecutive 50 cases presenting with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute intestinal obstruction from Chigateri General Hospital and Bapuji Hospital attached to J.J.M.Medical College, Davangere during the period from June 2009 to May 2011.Results: In our series, the maximum incidence is in the age group of 41-50 years. The occurrence of acute intestinal obstruction was common in male compared to female. Small bowel obstruction is more common. The commonest presenting symptom was abdominal pain followed by vomiting, distention of abdomen and absolute constipation. Adhesive obstruction (56%) was the commonest cause of acute intestinal obstruction, followed by Obstructed Hernia (18%), Malignancy (6%), Volvulus (4%), Intussusceptions (6%) and TB stricture (6%). Release of adhesions and bands was done in 22 cases. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis was done in 16 cases, which included cases of intussusception, adhesions, stricture, Ileo-caecal growth, colonic growth.Conclusions: Most common etiological factor for intestinal obstruction is postoperative adhesions. Release of adhesions and bands was the most common surgery done.