[Mechanical intestinal obstruction caused by abdominal wall hernias]

Mechanical intestinal obstructions form important part of pathologies those necessitates emergent surgical intervention. Length of time between symptoms and surgery, preference of surgical procedure and prevention of recurrence are still under discussion. While the most frequent etiological factor is postoperative adhesions in developed countries, strangulated hernias are more common in developing countries. In this study, among 147 cases operated on with the diagnosis of mechanical intestinal obstruction between 1993-1999, 80 strangulated were 50 males (%62.5) and 30 females (%37.5). Mean age was 59 years (range 4-94). The most frequent type of hernia was inguinal hernia and observed in 49 cases. Small intestine was detected most frequently in hernia sac. In 14 cases (%17.5), beside hernia repair, additional surgical interventions were performed. Total morbidity was %22.5 and mortality was %7.5. Patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction should be evaluated for abdominal wall hernias because of high incidence of mech surgical intervention have high morbidity and mortality rates, elective surgery should be recommended when abdominal wall hernia is diagnosed.