Role of Gastrograffin in the Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction – A Prospective Study

Abstract

Adhesive small bowel obstruction is a major cause of hospital admissions imposing a considerable burden on hospital resources. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of this condition is important to prevent unnecessary surgeries. Various studies have evaluated the efficacy of contrast agents in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction. We carried out a prospective study to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic role of water soluble contrast agent, gastrograffin in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction. The results of our study concluded that use of gastrograffin in patients with partial small bowel obstruction helps in resolution of symptoms and avoids the need of surgical management in the majority of patients.