INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION
A REVIEW OF 200 CONSECUTIVE CASES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2007.14.02.4905Keywords:
Intestinal Obstruction, Intussusception, Inguinal hernia, Hirschprung’s DiseaseAbstract
Objective: To identify the various causes of intestinal obstruction in
infants. Design: Retrospective study. Period: July 1995 to March 2007. Setting: Department of Paediatric Surgery,
Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Patients and Methods: The record of all infants who presented with intestinal obstruction
during the study period was reviewed. Results: Two hundred infants presented with intestinal obstruction. It was the
commonest cause for admission (57%) from the emergency department and constituted 8.2% of the infants operated
in the unit. They were predominantly males. Average duration of symptoms was 3 days. Common causes were
intussusception (46.5%), adhesions (16%), bands (13.5%) and incarcerated inguinal hernia (8%). Wound infection
(12%) and wound dehiscence (6%) were the common complications. Mortality rate was 5%. Conclusion: Intestinal
obstruction is seen frequently in infants and is associated with significant morbidity. Early recognition and prompt
treatment are needed.
