Pattern of dynamic intestinal obstruction in adults

Background: In aboral direction, when the intestinal contents cannot be forced further, a situation arises known as intestinal obstruction. Aim: Aim was to evaluate the common causes of intestinal obstruction. Methods and materials: This study was a retrospective study which was conducted from January 2015 to April 2017 in Department of Surgery in Deccan College of Medical Sciences Hyderabad. This study consisted of 60 patients who were admitted in department of surgery who were presented with acute intestinal obstruction and patients who underwent operative management were included in the study. The patients who conservatively managed the obstruction and who were below 12 years of age were excluded from the study. Results: 60 patients underwent management operatively during the two years duration with the paediatric group excluding from the study (age below 12 years) and others got treatment conservatively. Males were more compared to female patients who constituted 39 (65%) males and 21 (35%) females. The most common occurrence of intestinal obstruction was in the age group of 42-51 years (33.3%). The most common presenting complaint is abdominal pain. The most common type of bowel obstruction is small intestine. Adhesion and band is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction 25 (41.6%), followed by Malignancy 15 (25%), obstructed hernia 5(8.3%), Volvulus 5 (8.3%), Stricture 4 (6.6%), Ileac tuberculosis 2 (3.3%), SMA thrombosis 2 (3.3%), superior mesenteric artery thrombosis 2 (3.3%). The most common type of surgery was adhesiolysis which constituted 20 (33.3%) followed by Resection and ostomy which constituted 10 (16.6%). The most common post-operative complication was wound infection which constituted 18 (30%). Conclusion: The most common cause of bowel obstruction is adhesive intestinal obstruction followed by malignant bowel obstruction. Early diagnosis, perioperative management and general condition of patients are keys in the successful management of acute intestinal obstruction.