Causes, evaluation and surgical management of mechanical small bowel obstruction

Authors

  • Md. Shakeb Ahmad Department of Surgery, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar
  • Md. Shadab Department of Surgery, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar
  • Saif Omar Department of Anatomy, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar
  • Amjad Zia Mallik Department of Surgery, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar
  • Md. Arif Ansari Department of Surgery, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20150917

Keywords:

Bowel, Diagnosis, Distension, Duodenum, Obstruction, Surgery

Abstract

Background:Small bowel obstruction is defined as a mechanical or functional obstruction of the intestine preventing the normal transit of product of digestion. It can occur at any level distal to the duodenum and is considered to be a medical emergency. Acute intestinal obstruction has attracted wide attention and extensive research. As a consequence of experimental research, a considerable decline has been observed in the mortality of acute intestinal obstruction. The aim of this study was to observe the causes, evaluation and surgical management of small bowel obstruction among cases presenting with the same in the Department of General Surgery of Katihar Medical College.

Methods: Eighty cases of small bowel obstruction were observed in this study. The cases were selected among patients visiting the outdoor clinic of General Surgery in Katihar Medical College. The selected cases belonged to different aetiology, age groups and sex.

Results: Abdominal tenderness was the commonest finding during per abdomen examination. Adhesion was the commonest aetiology observed in this study followed by obstructed hernia. General trend of reporting to the hospital was observed to be on the third day of onset. Higher incidence of small bowel obstruction was observed in cases in sixth decade of life. There was predominance among the males and in cases belonging to lower socio-economic class.

Conclusions: Mechanical obstruction of the small intestine due to extrinsic causes constituted a major part among the presenting cases in this study. The degree of distension has a direct relation with the duration of the symptom. Small bowel obstruction can be confirmed using a radiogram in erect posture. Mortality due to small bowel obstruction can be reduced if timely intervention is sought by the presenting cases. Early diagnosis, effective resuscitation and timely surgery are the main treatment options that should be considered.

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Published

2016-12-14

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Original Research Articles