Publication:

Pattern of dynamic intestinal obstruction in adults at tertiary care centre

Background Mechanical intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency. The causes of intestinal obstruction include hernias, postoperative adhesions, malignancy, strictures etc. The etiology of this condition varies in different parts of the world and within same country. Aim of this study was to determine the etiology of intestinal obstruction, evaluate the factors affecting morbidity and mortality in our region.

Methods This prospective descriptive study was conducted in department of surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital at Solapur from June 2012 to June 2014.  All the adult patients, irrespective of sex with diagnosis of dynamic intestinal obstruction undergoing exploratory laparotomy were included in the study. Laparotomy findings were recorded and in the postoperative period patients were followed up for detection of complications and treatment.

Results 50 patients were treated for mechanical intestinal obstruction. Mean age was 49.5 years and male to female ratio was 1.7:1. External hernia (50%) was the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction followed by postoperative adhesion (39%).Wound infection was the commonest postoperative complication.

Conclusions External hernia is the leading causes of mechanical intestinal obstruction in our region. Old age, delayed presentation, associated co-morbidities, increases the morbidity and mortality in these patients.