Pattern of intestinal obstruction in children - a review of 200 consecutive cases

ABSTRACT

To identify the various causes of intestinal obstruction in children. Retrospective study. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad from July 1995 to June 2009. The record of all children, between the age of 1 to 14 years, who presented with intestinal obstruction during the study period was reviewed. Two hundred children presented with intestinal obstruction. It was not an uncommon cause for admission from the emergency department [12.1%] and constituted 7.4% of the children operated in the unit. They were predominantly males [75%]. Average duration of symptoms was 3 days. The commonest causes were adhesions [31%], Meckel's diverticulum with band [15.5%], volvulus [12%] and incarcerated inguinal hernia [11.5%]. Wound infection [11%] and wound dehiscence [4%] were the common complications. Mortality rate was 2.5%. Intestinal obstruction is seen not infrequently in children and is associated with significant morbidity. Adhesions especially post operative have emerged as a leading cause. Early recognition and prompt treatment are needed