Analytical study on pattern of intestinal obstruction

Background: Acute intestinal obstruction is an enigma with its versatile presentation and wide spectrum of management options available. It presents a constant challenge to the surgeon both in diagnosis and in judgment as regards the line of management for that specific patient, for those specific parameters and for that specific moment in the course of the disease. Materials and methods: This was a facility based retrospective study involving all patients diagnosed as intestinal obstruction clinically, radiologically, and pathologically. The relevant data shall be collected by using detailed case history/previous surgery, symptoms, signs, investigations like complete hemogram, liver function test, radiological, and intra operative findings. Results: In our setup, there was higher incidence of intestinal obstruction among males (28 – males, 12 – females). As far as age distribution was concerned the age range was 14-72 years and most common occurrence between 30 to 60 years. Most common cause of intestinal obstruction was band/adhesion followed by irreducible hernias (inguinal/ umbilical/ incisional/ epigastric)/ malignancy etc. Commonest symptom in our study was pain followed by vomiting, distension, and constipation. Abdominal tenderness, tachycardia, with hyper dynamic or absent bowel sounds was the commonest signs. Conclusion: Acute intestinal obstruction is one of the most common emergencies requiring surgical intervention. A proper and complete bedside clinical examination by the surgeon is more superior to investigational procedures. In our study, Adhesions /bands were found to be the commonest cause for obstruction.