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Pattern of acute intestinal obstruction: is there a change in the underlying etiology?

Arshad M Malik1, Madiha Shah, Rafique Pathan

  • 1Department of Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan.

Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association
|September 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The pattern of acute intestinal obstruction is changing, with postoperative adhesions and abdominal tuberculosis becoming more common causes than obstructed hernias. This shift suggests earlier surgical intervention is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acute intestinal obstruction remains a significant surgical challenge.
  • Etiological patterns of intestinal obstruction can vary geographically and over time.
  • Understanding these trends is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolving patterns of acute intestinal obstruction.
  • To identify the primary causes of acute intestinal obstruction in a specific teaching institute.
  • To analyze changes in the etiology of this condition over a five-year period.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective descriptive study was conducted from June 2004 to June 2009.
  • Patients with clinical or radiological evidence of acute intestinal obstruction (excluding those under 10 years) were included.
  • Data on patient demographics, etiology, and treatment were collected and statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

  • A total of 229 patients were treated for acute intestinal obstruction.
  • The leading causes were postoperative adhesions (41%), abdominal tuberculosis (25%), and obstructed/strangulated hernias (18%).
  • A notable shift was observed, with adhesions and tuberculosis surpassing hernias as primary causes.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a changing trend in acute intestinal obstruction etiology.
  • Increased incidence of adhesive obstruction and decreased hernias suggest earlier surgical intervention.
  • Abdominal tuberculosis is identified as an emerging significant cause of acute bowel obstruction.
Abstract

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