Subacute intestinal obstruction: an enigma revisited
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Bhupendra Kumar Jain1, Juhi Agrawal, Vinita Rathi
1Department of Surgery, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India. bhupendrakjain@gmail.com
Abstract:
Sixty-three patients presenting with subacute intestinal obstruction (SAIO) were studied. Thirty (47.6%) reported recurrent symptoms. Exaggerated bowel sound, visible/palpable bowel loops, distention of abdomen and abdominal lumps were observed in 60.3%, 28.5%, 25.3% and 19.0% patients, respectively. Thirty (47.6%) required emergency laparotomy. Investigations revealed lesions requiring surgery in 14 of 33 patients which were relieved with conservative treatment. The accuracy of ultrasonography, contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan and diagnostic laparoscopy was 57.1%, 100% and 100%, respectively. Ileum was the most common site of obstruction (79.5%). Adhesions and small intestinal strictures were the two most frequent cause of obstruction seen in 31.8% and 27.2%, respectively. Tuberculous pathology was demonstrated in 23 (52.2%). Previous abdominal surgery was found to be the only predictor of the success of conservative treatment (13/19 versus 7/44). All patients of SAIO, whose symptoms were relieved with conservative treatment, and who do not have history of abdominal surgery, should be subjected to CECT and/or diagnostic laparoscopy in order to discover the underlying cause of the obstruction. When these diagnostic modalities are not available, laparotomy is an effective alternative for this group of patients.
Related Concept Videos
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Appendicitis
Pyloric Obstruction
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...

