Spiral CT diagnosis of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction

Abstract

To discuss the computerized tomography (CT) finding of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction (EPISBO) so as to enhance its diagnostic level. The CT findings of 35 EPISBO cases proved by surgery were retrospectively analyzed from August 2003 to October 2008. The main CT findings were as follows: (1) Incomplete small bowel obstruction; (2) Thickening and edema of focal or global bowel wall; (3) Local or diffuse effusion mainly around operative incision; (4) Without definite obstruction point or bent adhesive point; (5) Locally ring-shaped or delayed enhancement during an enhancement scan. Spiral CT has an important value in the diagnosis of EPISBO.