Abstract

Acute intestinal obstruction is a failure of aboral progression of intestinal contents. The overall mortality and morbidity of bowel obstruction is substantial. Therefore better understanding of pathophysiology, improvement in diagnostic techniques, fluid and electrolyte correction, much potent antibiotics and knowledge of intensive care is required. The present study was carried out to find out the common causes, variation in clinical features, morbidity and mortality rate related to intestinal obstruction. Results of the study showed that postoperative adhesions is most common cause of intestinal obstruction. Small bowel obstruction is more common than large bowel obstruction. Large bowel obstruction is more common in patients above 40 years than in younger group. Abdominal pain, vomiting, distension and constipation are the four cardinal features of intestinal obstruction, present in most of the cases. Plain x-ray abdomen taken in erect posture is the single most important investigation required for the patients. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes, gastrointestinal aspiration, antibiotics and then appropriate surgery are still the main stay of the treatment. Among the factors influencing the mortality and morbidity are age, state of hydration, nutritional status, viability of the bowel, etiology of obstruction, site of obstruction, delay in diagnosis and surgical intervention and associated medical illness. Therefore, early diagnosis of obstruction, skillful operative management, proper technique during surgery and intensive postoperative treatment carries a grateful result.

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