Role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Obstruction

There is a need to identify patients whose small bowel obstruction (SBO) can resolve spontaneously so that unnecessary surgical interventions are avoided. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) in intestinal obstruction and find out the presence, level, causes, and degree of intestinal obstruction taking intraoperative findings as gold standard.

This cross-sectional study was conducted analyzing 147 patients that were referred from emergency with abdominal pain, abdominal distension, inability to pass flatus, and aged 18-70 years from both genders. Computed tomography (CT) examinations were done and findings like intestinal dilatation, evidence of mesenteric fat stranding, and area of transition between the dilated and collapsed loops were noted. The final report was made by the radiologist while the operative findings were reviewed from the operative notes written by operative surgeons of the same patient.

In a total of 147 patients, mean age was 52.38±16.01 years. There were 76 (51.70%) males and 71 (48.30%) females. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of multi-detector computed tomography scan in diagnosing intestinal obstruction, taking operative findings as gold standard, were 98.39%, 65.22%, 93.85%, 88.24%, and 93.20%, respectively.

The multi-detector CT can be used routinely as a prime modality for detecting intestinal obstruction which will result in proper and timely management for reducing the morbidity and mortality of these particular patients.