[ survey of etiology of intestinal obstruction in a pediatric surgery center in Tehran]

ABSTRACT

Intestinal obstruction is a common cause of abdominal surgery in pediatric age group. A delay in diagnosis and treatment of this disease can lead to serious complications. This study has been conducted to evaluate different causes of intestinal obstruction. 231 children were operated on intestinal obstruction. Prior to surgery all patients underwent a labarotory examination consisting of CBC, abdominal X'ray and, if necessary, gastrointestinal [GI] study with contrast media or CT-Scan and sonography. Final diagnosis was reached by surgical findings. 231 children were operated due to intestinal obstruction. Among these, 128 cases, [55.4%] were male and 103 cases [44.6%] were female. The causes of intestinal obstruction were Incarcerated hernia in 41 cases [17.7%], GI atresia in 38 cases [16.4%], malrotation in 32 cases [13.8%], anorectal malformation in 29 cases [12.5%] and benign or malignant masses inside or outside GI tract in 28 cases [12.1%]. The most common causes of intestinal obstruction were incarcerated hernia, GI atresia and malrotation