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Roentgenographic contrast studies in acute small-bowel obstruction
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Contrast roentgenograms can aid in diagnosing small-bowel obstruction when plain films are unclear. However, contrast passage doesn't always predict the need for surgery.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Plain abdominal roentgenograms are standard for small-bowel obstruction.
- A subset of patients may require more detailed imaging or nonoperative management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of contrast roentgenograms in managing small-bowel obstruction.
- To determine if contrast passage predicts surgical necessity.
Main Methods:
- Contrast roentgenograms were performed in 68 of 327 patients with nondiagnostic abdominal films or atypical presentations.
- Contrast tracers and contrast enemas were utilized.
- Outcomes including surgical intervention were recorded.
Main Results:
- Contrast roentgenograms provided useful information in 68% of contrast tracers and 75% of contrast enemas.
- In 34 patients where contrast passed the obstruction, 38% still needed surgery.
- In 16 patients where contrast did not pass, only one avoided surgery.
Conclusions:
- Contrast roentgenograms can be valuable in select small-bowel obstruction cases.
- Passage of contrast material through an obstruction does not reliably rule out the need for surgery.