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Acute intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis in a child: A case report
Sulmiati1, Farid Nurmantu1, Ahmadwirawan1
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University - RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar, Indonesia.
Insights
Ascariasis, a common parasitic infection, can cause severe intestinal obstruction. This case highlights the need for surgical intervention in some instances of roundworm infestation.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Ascariasis is a prevalent parasitic infection in developing countries, linked to poor hygiene and sanitation.
- It poses a significant global public health challenge, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old boy presented with total intestinal obstruction.
- The obstruction was caused by a mass of Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworms).
Findings:
- Surgical intervention, including exploratory laparotomy and enterotomy, was performed to remove the worm masses.
- While conservative treatment is often effective, surgical management is sometimes necessary for intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering surgical options for intestinal obstruction caused by roundworm infestation.
- Effective management of ascariasis is crucial for reducing public health burdens in endemic regions.
Introduction And Importance:
Ascariasis is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical developing countries with poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This condition is a staggering worldwide public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Intestinal obstruction is an acute presentation that occurs in cases where clumps of worms form, causing partial or complete obstruction of the intestinal lumen.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of a 5-year-old boy with total intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides, who underwent exploratory laparotomy and enterotomy to remove the worm masses.
Clinical Discussion:
Infestation with roundworms is widespread in developing countries. While the majority of the intestinal obstruction they cause may be treated conservatively, in some circumstances, surgery may be required.
Conclusion:
Infestation with roundworms is widespread in developing countries, and although the majority of the intestinal obstruction they cause may be treated conservatively, in some circumstances, surgery may be required.
