Intestinal obstruction in Nigerian children.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health in Developing Nations

Background:

• Acute intestinal obstruction represents a significant cause of surgical emergencies among children in developing countries.
• The epidemiology and common causes of pediatric intestinal obstruction in developing nations differ notably from global patterns.
• Delayed presentation is a frequent issue, leading to increased complications and prolonged hospital stays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes, clinical presentation, and outcomes of acute intestinal obstruction in Nigerian children over a 10-year period.
• To highlight the specific challenges and differences in pediatric intestinal obstruction within a developing country context.
• To analyze mortality rates and identify risk factors, particularly in the neonatal subgroup.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 280 pediatric cases of acute intestinal obstruction.
• Data collection included patient demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
• Analysis focused on identifying leading causes, presentation delays, morbidity, and mortality patterns.

Main Results:

• Intussusception was identified as the predominant cause of obstruction, followed by incarcerated or strangulated hernias.
• A high incidence of late presentation was observed, correlating with increased morbidity and extended hospitalization.
• The overall mortality rate was 16%, with a significantly higher rate of 33% in the neonatal group.

Conclusions:

• Acute intestinal obstruction is a major surgical emergency in Nigerian children, with intussusception and hernias being the primary culprits.
• Late presentation significantly impacts patient outcomes, leading to prolonged illness and increased healthcare burden.
• The high mortality, particularly among neonates, underscores the urgent need for improved access to timely surgical care in developing regions.