Changing Pattern of Adult Intestinal Obstruction in Nigeria

Intestinal obstruction is a common general surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Its aetiology varies widely between and within geographic regions, with gender, age, and time. Obstructed inguinal hernia is still considered the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in Sub-Saharan Africa and other low-income countries, but its incidence appears to be on the decrease as other causes of intestinal obstruction become more common in a particular society. To examine the spectrum of causes of intestinal obstruction in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria and compare the results with earlier studies in the region and Nigeria. A cross sectional, single-hospital study of adults diagnosed with and having clinical and radiological features of acute intestinal obstruction. Seventy patients were enrolled in the study, comprising of 35 (50%) males and 35 (50%) females, M:F = 1:1. The mean patient age was 44.8 years. Two peak age incidences of intestinal obstruction were observed in the 36-45 and 56-65 years age groups. Post-operative adhesion 13 (18.5%), obstructed external abdominal hernia 13 (18.5%), colonic cancer 11 (16%), and intussusception seven (10%) were the primary causes of intestinal obstruction. Obstructed inguinal hernia was commonly encountered in males while adhesions and colonic cancers were common in females. Obstructed external abdominal hernias and post-operative adhesion are at par as the main primary causes of intestinal obstruction. Colon cancer and intussusception are increasingly causing more obstructions.

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. Methods: This prospective descriptive study was conducted in department of surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital. 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:45 patients were treated for mechanical intestinal obstruction. Mean age was 49.5 years and male to female ratio was 1.81:1. Most common cause of small bowel obstruction is Small bowel adhesions i.e. 13 patients (39.39%) ; while the most common cause of large bowel obstruction is malignancy arising from different parts of large bowel i.e. 66.67% of patients (8 patients) Wound infection was the commonest postoperative complication. There were 12 deaths in this study giving mortality rate of 26.6%. Conclusions: Bowel Adhesion is the leading causes of mechanical intestinal obstruction in our region.

This is a review of 261 patients operated for 271 instances of mechanical intestinal obstruction over a 5-year period in a developing country in the tropics. The pattern of intestinal obstruction in Chinese is similar to that in Caucasians, where adhesions account for the largest number of cases. The occurrence in Malays, Indians, Pakistanis and Ceylonese is similar to that in other developing communities where external hernia is commonest while adhesive or tumour obstruction is rare; however, these racial groups do not exhibit the high incidence of intussusception and volvulus found in Africa and India. The operative mortality was 13-9 per cent, which is comparable to that in Western series. The major adverse factors in intestinal obstruction, i.e. extremes of age, associated disease, gangrenous bowel, large bowel obstruction and malignancy, were confirmed. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance was frequent, as in other tropical series, but with intensive preoperative correction it was not an important adverse factor.

Background: Intestinal obstruction in children is a very common cause of admission in hospitals with usually a high mortality andmorbidity rate. There is a geographical variability in patterns of intestinal obstruction in pediatric population around the globe.Objectives: To evaluate patterns of presentation and surgical outcome of pediatric intestinal obstruction in Pakistan.Material and Methods: A prospective observational study with non-probability sampling technique was done in the departmentPediatric Surgery (East Surgical Unit), The Children's Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad,Pakistan, from January to December 2017. Operated cases of intestinal obstruction from 1 day to 12 years were included. Age,patterns of presentation, sign and symptoms, surgical intervention, complications, outcome and correlation between variableswere studied.Results: Total cases were 316 (231 males, 85 females). Congenital Causes of intestinal obstruction in descending order wereAnorectal Malformations(75),Jejuno-Ileal Atresia(28), Hirschsprung Disease(27), Meckel's Diverticulum(17), DuodenalAtresia(16), Malrotation(12), Meconium Ileus(11), Midgut Volvulus(8), Mesenteric cyst(1) and Rectal Atresia(1).Acquired causeswere Intussusception(40), Perforated Appendix(20), Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis(14), Band Obstruction(12), BluntAbdominal Trauma(10), Obstructed Inguinal hernia (9), Worm infestation(9), Enteric Perforation(3), Necrotizing Enterocolitis(3).The overall mortality rate was 3.5% and postoperative complications rate was 40.8%. Statistically significant relationship wasfound between Age and post operative complications (P=0.048), Age and outcome (P=0.002) and between post operativecomplications and outcome (p<0.001).Conclusions: Causes of intestinal obstruction vary according to the age and geographical area. Accurate and timely diagnosis ofthe cause of intestinal obstruction along with prevention and treatment of sepsis can reduce morbidity and mortality.Key words: Intestinal obstruction; Children; Congenital; Acquired Causes; Neonate; Pakistan

Background: Intestinal obstruction is one the major cause that patients underwent emergency operations and which might lead to complications that could be turn fatal. Prompt evaluation and treatment prevents mortality and morbidity of post-operative patients. Methods: Prospective study conducted between 01 April 2020 to 31 March 2022 in 50 patients of intestinal obstruction operated in emergency according to inclusion criteria. Pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative assessment and recording of data done. Results: In 50 cases of intestinal obstruction, commonest age group is 41 to 60 years, pain and obstipation remains major presenting symptoms and tenderness, guarding and rigidity were most common signs. The commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in the adults in this study was postoperative adhesions (44%) followed by Koch’s abdomen (30%). Malignancy of the large bowel was seen in 6 cases constituting 12% of cases, obstructed hernia in 5 cases (10%), intussusception in 3 cases (6%) and gut malrotation in 1 case (2%). Comorbidity like hypertension and diabetes were main causes of post-operative complications. Conclusions: Maximum incidence of intestinal obstructions were reported in Age group 41-60 years with male predominance. Abdominal pain was the consistent symptoms followed by obstipation. Post-operative adhesion were the most common cause of the intestinal obstruction. Malignancy and multiple comorbidity remains the major risk factor for the post-operative complications and mortality.

Intestinal obstruction: Role of multi-slice CT in emergency department

This study aimed to determine the type of neonatal intestinal obstruction, their mortality, and the significance of the direct causes of death. A retrospective study of all neonates managed for neonatal intestinal obstruction (total number studied was 161 child) at Basrah Children's Specialty Hospital (BCSH) between June 2012 and June 2014. Data were collected from patients’ hospital records (neonatal intensive care unit) and analyzed for age, sex, clinical features, diagnosis, surgical procedure performed, prematurity, birth weight, duration of symptoms, complications and their management. The mortality due to neonatal intestinal obstruction is still high in our setting (25.5%). The significant factors associated with mortality were prematurity, birth weight, sepsis; reoperation, short bowel syndrome, and proximal intestinal stoma. Certain causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction were associated with high mortality e.g. jejunoileal atresia (52.6%), meconium ileus (50%), perforated viscus (46%), and duodenal atresia. Male are affected more than female with M:F ratio of 2.4:1. The most common cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates in this series was anorectal malformations (33.5%). Other causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction included Hirschsprung’s disease (24.2%), small intestinal atresias (11.8%), intestinal malrotation with or without volvulus (9.3%), perforated viscus (8.1%), meconium ileus (7.5%), duodenal aresia (2.5%), annular pancreas (1.2%), and meconium plug syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis and segmental dilatation (0.6%, each). In conclusion, neonatal intestinal obstruction is a common cause of admission accounting for 28.2% of all admission. Mortality from intestinal obstruction is still high in our society and strict measures regarding prenatal, natal and postnatal management should be addressed to save those neonates.

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency that is encountered in general surgery units and it contributes to substantial patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Computed Tomography (CT) has emerged as an invaluable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of bowel obstruction and helps in deciding early surgery. The CT gives information on the cause for obstruction, its location, and complications like closed loop obstruction, bowel ischaemia. Aim: 1. To evaluate the accuracy of CT in diagnosing the presence, level and cause of intestinal obstruction. 2. To detect the presence of complications and demonstrate threatening signs of bowel non-viability. 3. To relate CT findings with intraoperative findings. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was done at the Department of Radiology, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, India from April 2021 to September 2021. A total of 40 patients, ≥18 years of age with clinical suspicion of intestinal obstruction, were subjected to Contrast- Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) of the abdomen. The sensitivity , specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Muti-detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) were calculated. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 18.5 software. Results: Total of 40 patients were analysed (25 males and 15 females ; mean age: 50.5 years). Small bowel obstruction constituted 75% of cases and large bowel obstruction constituted 25% of the cases. Ileum was the most common site of obstruction. Adhesions were the leading cause seen. Closed loop obstruction with bowel ischaemia and gangrene were observed in five patients (12.5%). Comparison of CT and per-operative findings showed that CT has a high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of 97.44%, 100%, 97.50%; 92.31%, 100%, 92.50% and 100%, 94.12%, 95%, respectively for determining the level, cause and complications of obstruction. Conclusion: The MDCT has high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing the level, cause and complications of intestinal obstruction with the highest of 97.50% for identifying the cause of obstruction. CT is 100% sensitive in picking up complications like bowel ischemia. Thus, MDCT were in concordance with intra operative findings for the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and can guide surgeons in the management of these patients.

Anomalous congenital bands are rare causes of intestinal obstruction in children, adults, and neonates. They are rarely reported, and their etiopathogenesis is unknown, without malrotation in children. Their presentation and radiographic features are similar to any acute intestinal obstruction. The author found approximately 50 similar cases in the literature; however, during and after COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first case of anomalous congenital obstructing band without mal rotation to be reported to date. This is a rare case of infantile intestinal obstruction managed during COVID-19 pandemic. Acute intestinal obstruction due to a congenital anomalous band is rare in infants and children, and if not treated promptly, can lead to morbidity and mortality. Various reasons, such as congenital, acquired, and extrinsic or intrinsic pathologies in children and adults, may be the cause for acute intestinal obstruction. Congenital anomalous bands account for 3% of the intestinal obstructions in infants and children. These bands may cause ischemia and gangrene of the bowel without timely intervention.

Acute abdomen: intestinal obstruction

Acute abdomen: intestinal obstruction

Intestinal obstruction due to fecolith is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. A 40 years old lady presented with the features of intestinal obstruction of 6 days duration. She had H/O laparatomy for DU perforation and hysterectomy. Clinical examination and investigations pointed to intestinal obstruction because of intestinal adhesions from previous surgeries. Conservative treatment did not give relief to the patient. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed ascites and moderate adhesion A lump with hard consistency was detected in the terminal ileum. A diagnosis of lymphoma was made and hemicolectomy was planned. After mobilizing the caecum and part of ascending colon laparoscopically, small transverse incision was made in RIF. Whole mass and caecum was delivered through the wound. The mass in the ileum was felt moving proximally on traction. The mass was pushed proximally and enterotomy was made to take out the lump. It was a 6 x 4 x 2 cm fecolith (fig-3). There was no other abnormality or cause of intestinal obstruction except mild adhesion at the terminal ileum.DOI: 10.3329/pulse.v3i1.6555Pulse Vol.3(1) July 2009 p35-37

A mesenteric hernia is one type of intraperitoneal hernia. There is no hernia sac in this situation but only a mesenteric defect, which is present at birth. Strangulated mesenteric hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction especially in the pediatric population. Between January 1996 and January 2006, four patients with intestinal obstruction were determined to have congenital mesenteric hernia at Chang Gung Children's Hospital. Patients consisted of three boys and one girl, ranging in age from 2 years 5 months to 5 years 4 months. All patients presented with symptoms and signs indicative of intestinal obstruction. On physical examination, all patients appeared to be severely ill. A shock-like state was associated with necrosis of the strangulated bowel in two patients. A palpable abdominal mass was present in one patient with volvulus of small bowel. The plain abdominal radiography and the ultrasound scan also showed dilatation of the small bowel and excluded intussusception. All the patients underwent laparotomy after initial resuscitation. During laparotomy, three patients had incarceration of small bowel through the small mesenteric defect, and another one had volvulus with gangrenous bowel entrapped within a large mesenteric defect. The defects ranged in size are from 2 to 7 centimeters in diameter. Simple reduction of the incarcerated bowel with repair of the defect was performed in two patients, resection of gangrenous bowel and primary anastomosis was required in one patient, and resection with end ileostomy was needed in another one patient. There was no postoperative mortality in our patients. A mesenteric hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, especially in children. Open exploration is the only way to establish a clear anatomic diagnosis.

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of acute intestinal obstruction in aged patients over 80. Methods Data of 151 patients over 80 with acute intestinal obstruction admitted from January 2010 to March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Results 136 of 151 cases were mechanical intestinal obstruction, including 95 cases of adhesive ileus, 13 cases of tumorous ileus, 11 cases of bezoar ileus, 4 cases of abdominal internal hernia, 3 cases of intestinal volvulus, 2 cases of incarcerated oblique hernia, 1 cases of duodenal stenosis, 1 case of sigmoid stenosis, 1 case of anastomotic obstruction after radical resection of rectal cancer because of barium, the cause of ileus was unknown in 5 cases. 14 of 151 were dynamic obstruction and 1 of 151 was vascular intestinal obstruction. Conservative treatment was performed in 114 cases and 1 patient died. 30 cases received operation, including 14 cases of enterodialysis, 6 cases of enterostomy, 4 cases of enterotomy, 3 cases of enterectomy, 1 case of right hemicolectomy, 1 case of reduction of volvulus of intestine, 1 case of gastronesteostomy, and 1 patient died. 7 of 151 were against-advice discharged. 12 cases of complications occurred after surgery, including 5 cases of incisional wound infection, 2 cases of heart failure, 1 case of pulmonary infection, 1 case of anastomotic fistula, 1 case of infective shock, 1 case of early postoperative inflammatory bowel obstruction and 1 case of postoperative delirium. Conclusion Adhesive ileus is the most common cause in aged patients over 80 with acute intestinal obstruction. Rational treatment should be carried out according to different conditions. Conservative treatment is often performed and with active perioperative management, most patients will have satisfied results of surgery. Key words: Aged; Intestinal obstruction; Diagnosis; Therapy

Small intestinal volvulus (SIV) is a common surgical emergency encountered in many countries. It was reported as the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in the southern part of Ethiopia. This study was intended to evaluate the magnitude and treatment outcome of SIV in a rural hospital. Retrospective study. A rural general hospital with 250 beds. Ninety eight of 235 patients operated on for acute intestinal obstruction. There were 88 males and 10 females (age range of 16-65 years). All patients who were operated on for acute intestinal obstruction during 1992-1996 were included. Age of patients, duration of the illness and extent of the bowel involved, treatment, and complications were the main outcome measures. Of the 235 patients with acute intestinal obstruction, 98 (41.7%) had SIV. The mean age was 34 years (range 16-65 years). The male to female ratio was 8.8:1.0. SIV occurred mostly among young adults most of whom were farmers. Postoperative complications occurred in 36 cases. The mortality rate was 13.3%, sepsis being the most frequent cause of death. Small intestinal volvulus was the leading cause of intestinal obstruction in this series. Early diagnosis and prompt operative intervention minimises the morbidity and mortality rate.