AETIOLOGICAL FACTORS IN MECHANICAL INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION
Abstract
Background: Intestinal obstruction occurs when the normal flow of intestinal contents isinterrupted. The most frequent causes of intestinal obstruction are postoperative adhesions andhernias, which cause extrinsic compression of the intestine. Less frequently, tumours or strictures ofthe bowel can cause intrinsic blockage. Objective of the study was to find out the various aetiologicalfactors of mechanical intestinal obstruction and to evaluate the morbidity and mortality in adultpatients presenting to Surgical ‘A’ unit of Ayub teaching hospital with mechanical intestinalobstruction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2009 to September,2009. All patients presenting with intestinal obstruction and were above the age of 12 years wereincluded in the study. Patients with non-mechanical obstruction were excluded from the study andthose who responded to conservative measures were also excluded. Results: A total of 36 patientswith age ranging from 12 to 80 years (Mean age 37.72±19.74 years) and male to female ratio of1.77:1, were treated for mechanical intestinal obstruction. The most common cause for mechanicalintestinal obstruction was adhesions (36.1%). Intestinal tuberculosis was the second most commoncause (19.4%), while hernias and sigmoid volvulus affected 13.9% patients each. Malignancies werefound in 5.6% cases. Conclusion: Adhesions and Tuberculosis are the leading causes of mechanicalintestinal obstruction in Pakistan. Although some patients can be treated conservatively, a substantialportion requires immediate surgical intervention.Keywords: Intestine, Mechanical (Dynamic), Intestinal obstruction.References
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