Pattern of mechanical bowel obstruction-a review of 111 cases

ABSTRACT

A retrospective evaluation of the causes of mechanical bowel obstruction encountered in East surgical unit Mayo Hospital, Lahore, over a period of three years is presented. The records of 111 patients with operative diagnosis of mechanical bowel obstruction were reviewed. Adhesions and external hernias were the commonest causes of mechanical intestinal obstruction, followed by volvulus and colorectal carcionomas. Tuberculous strictures and adhesions constitute an infrequent cause. External hernias should be managed more effectively by early elective surgery. Such studies should be carried out periodically to identify the pattern of mechanical bowel obstruction