Causes and Management of Intestinal Obstruction among Patients Admitted in the Department of General Surgery in El-Demerdash Hospital: A Retrospective Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Intestinal obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in the normal flow of intestinal contents. This
blockage can be caused by either a mechanical obstruction or a functional pathology.
Aim of the Study: To determine the causes of small and large bowel obstruction, and to identify the management
(operative or conservative).
Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the general surgery department in El-Demerdash
Hospital from October 2021 to October 2023.
Results: The most common symptom was vomiting in 69%, abdominal pain in 51%, constipation in 30%, abdominal
distension in 24%. Nausea 7%. 55% of the patients had a history of previous abdominal surgery.
Adhesion was the most common cause (42%) while complicated hernia was (24%) and 9% had malignant diseases, 5%
had intussusception, 5% had volvulus, 5% had stricture.
76% of the patients were managed with an operative procedure (Laparoscopy was performed in 9%) while 24% were
managed conservatively. 12% had wound infection, 4% had leakage, while 4% had stoma complication.
Conclusion: The study found that adhesions, complicated hernias, and malignant diseases are the main causes of intestinal obstruction, with vomiting and abdominal pain being the most common symptoms. Many patients had prior surgeries, indicating that adhesive bowel obstruction is prevalent. This highlights the need for preventive measures during surgeries, such as using laparoscopy to reduce complications. Successful treatment relies on early diagnosis, effective management, and addressing both the obstruction’s cause and its effects. While some patients can be treated conservatively, many require urgent surgery.

Keywords

The Egyptian Journal of Surgery
Volume 44, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 700-707

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