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Acute intestinal obstruction in Nigerian children
Tropical Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Digestive Diseases Foundation
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Intestinal obstruction is a significant pediatric emergency in Nigeria, with intussusception being the most common cause. Late presentation leads to high morbidity and mortality, highlighting the need for timely intervention in pediatric abdominal emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Understanding the causes and outcomes of pediatric intestinal obstruction is crucial for improving patient care, especially in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and etiological patterns of acute intestinal obstruction in pediatric patients.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of these cases.
- To identify factors contributing to morbidity and mortality.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 76 cases of acute intestinal obstruction in pediatric patients admitted over a 7-year period.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify common causes and complications.
Main Results:
- Intestinal obstruction constituted 41.7% of abdominal emergencies and 1.03% of all pediatric admissions.
- The most frequent causes were intussusception (44.7%), peritoneal adhesions (22.4%), and obstructed hernia (18.4%).
- Late presentation was common, leading to high postoperative morbidity (e.g., wound infection in 21.1%) and an overall mortality of 21.1%.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal obstruction is a major cause of pediatric surgical emergencies in the studied region.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical to reduce the high rates of morbidity and mortality.
- Public health initiatives to improve early presentation are warranted.