Pattern of intestinal obstruction in a semiurban Nigerian hospital.

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction remains one of the commonest causes of acute abdomen worldwide. The pattern of intestinal obstruction varies from one place to another. We report the pattern of intestinal obstruction observed in a semi urban Nigerian hospital over a 5 year period.
Materials and Methods: Records of patient admitted and managed for intestinal obstruction between April 2001 and April 2006 at the federal medical centre, Owo, Southwestern Nigeria, were reviewed. Demographic data as well as parameters relating to the symptoms, duration, onset, type, diagnosis, intraoperative findings, as well as postoperative outcomes were retrieved. All data was entered into a personal computer and analyzed using SPSS for windows version 11.
Results: A total of 95 patients were managed during the period. The mean age was 39 years. The male:female ratio was 1.8:1. Adhesive intestinal obstruction was the commonest cause of symptoms in 44%, followed by volvulus in 14% and external hernias in 11% of the patients. A correct preoperative diagnosis was made in over 70% of the patients. Out of those with adhesive obstruction, 75% had a previous abdominal or groin operation while 57% had surgical exploration for failed conservative management. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6 days and the overall mortality rate was 20%.
Conclusion: Adhesive intestinal obstruction is the commonest cause in this semi-urban population which was studied. Obstructed hernia is becoming increasingly less common as a cause of intestinal obstruction.