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The Spectrum of Paediatric Intestinal Obstruction in Kenya

Philip Blasto Ooko1, Patricia Wambua1, Mark Oloo1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya.

The Pan African Medical Journal
|September 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Ascariasis, adhesions, and intussusception were the primary causes of intestinal obstruction in Kenyan children. Public health initiatives like deworming and sanitation are recommended to reduce this common pediatric surgical emergency.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Intestinal obstruction (IO) is a frequent pediatric surgical emergency caused by congenital or acquired pathologies impeding intestinal flow.
  • This study investigated the patterns and outcomes of pediatric IO in western Kenya.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the epidemiological patterns of pediatric intestinal obstruction.
  • To evaluate the outcomes of pediatric intestinal obstruction cases.
  • To identify the primary causes of pediatric IO in western Kenya.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of mechanical IO cases in patients aged 15 years and below.
  • Data collected from Tenwek Hospital between January 2009 and December 2013.

Main Results:

  • The study included 217 children, with ascariasis (44.2%), adhesions (15.7%), and intussusception (13.8%) being the most common causes.
  • Ascariasis was the leading cause in children aged 1-10 years, while adhesions predominated in older children (11-15 years).
  • Vomiting and abdominal pain were predominant symptoms; 55.3% of cases required surgery, with a 5% overall mortality rate.

Conclusions:

  • Ascariasis, adhesions, and intussusception are significant causes of pediatric IO in western Kenya.
  • Ascariasis remains a major contributor to pediatric IO, highlighting the need for public education, improved sanitation, and deworming programs.
  • Interventions targeting worm burden reduction may decrease the incidence of pediatric IO in the region.
Abstract

Keywords:
Intestinal obstructionKenyaascariasischildrenintussusception

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