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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
07:33
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Changing pattern of intestinal obstruction in Accra, Ghana
E Q Archampong1, S B Naaeder, R Darko
1Department of Surgery, University of Ghana, Medical School, Accra, Ghana. who@sierratel.sl
Hepato-Gastroenterology
|February 26, 2000
Summary
Acute intestinal obstruction cases have decreased, with fewer strangulated hernias but more intussusception and colonic neoplasms. Changing surgical practices and financial policies influence these trends.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Acute intestinal obstruction is a common cause of acute abdomen.
- A shift in etiological spectrum has been observed over the past two decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the precise nature of the changing etiological spectrum of intestinal obstruction.
Main Methods:
- Review of published data on intestinal obstruction from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital over 50 years.
- Emphasis on clinical features, causes, and complications.
Main Results:
- Case load of intestinal obstruction has decreased (0.7% vs 1.4% of admissions).
- Strangulated hernias decreased (59.8% vs 77.6%), paralleling increased elective hernia surgery.
- Intussusception incidence nearly doubled (7.4% vs 4.0%), affecting the very young.
- Colonic neoplasms increased (3.3%), though lower than Western figures.
- Overall mortality unchanged (9.4%) with increased resection rates (18.3%).
Conclusions:
- Changing attitudes towards elective hernia surgery impact obstruction patterns.
- Evolving financial policies also influence the etiological spectrum of intestinal obstruction.
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