Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency and a significant cause of acute abdomen. Delay in diagnosis and management may result in bowel ischemia, perforation, sepsis, and increased mortality. The etiology and clinical presentation vary across populations, necessitating institution‐based evaluation. Aim of the study was to evaluate the etiology, clinical presentation, radiological findings, management, and outcomes of patients presenting with intestinal obstruction. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Mamata Medical College and General Hospital, Khammam. Fifty adult patients diagnosed with intestinal obstruction were included. Detailed clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and radiological assessment were performed. Patients were managed conservatively or surgically based on clinical and radiological criteria. Intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and mortality were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The mean age of patients was 48.6 ± 14.2 years, with male predominance (male:female ratio 1.8:1). Abdominal pain (92%) was the most common presenting symptom, followed by vomiting (76%) and abdominal distension (70%). Postoperative adhesions (36%) were the leading cause of obstruction, and small bowel obstruction constituted 68% of cases. Radiological evaluation commonly showed dilated bowel loops and multiple air‐fluid levels. Conservative management was successful in 38% of patients, while 62% required surgical intervention. Surgical site infection was the most frequent postoperative complication. The mean hospital stay was 8.6 ± 3.9 days, and mortality was 6%. Postoperative adhesions remain the most common cause of intestinal obstruction. Early diagnosis, timely imaging, and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality.
How to cite this article:
U. Ramakrishna. Evaluation of Etiology, Clinical Presentation and Management of Intestinal Obstruction.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2011.345.351
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2011.345.351