Acute intestinal obstruction in Nnewi Nigeria: a five-year review

Abstract

Background: Acute intestinal obstruction is still one of the commonest causes of acute abdomen in the country and the patterns and causes have kept changing over time within various parts of the country. We undertook this study to determine data on presentation and management in our environment as well as highlight these changing patterns.


Methods: A retrospective study of all patients managed for acute intestinal obstruction from 1993 to 1997.


Results: Seventy-six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 51 males and 25 females. Peak age incidence was in the first decade of life while the major complaint was abdominal pain. Commonest clinical finding was abdominal tenderness. Seventy-five (98.68%) had surgery and 42(55.26^) had resection. The commonest causes were; strangulated hernia (18) intussusception (18) and adhesion (15). The commonest postoperative complication was burst abdomen (4%) and mortality was (9.2%).


Conclusion: High clinical acumen, aggressive resuscitation and prompt surgical intervention are the key to achieving good results in both pediatric and adult acute intestinal, obstruction.


Key words: Intestinal obstruction


Nig. J. of Surgical Research Vol.4(3-4) 2002: 107-111