Abstract:
We analyzed the neonates and
children presenting with acute intestinal
obstruction to our department and did an
outcome analysis to identify the factors
affecting the morbidity and mortality. Over a
period of 3 years, 100 cases of acute
intestinal obstructions accounted for 30% of
the abdominal emergencies in our setup.
Intussusceptions were the commonest
followed by intestinal atresia. Transfer to the
tertiary care centre was delayed by more
than 3 days after the diagnosis in 60% of the
hospital and 80% of the home delivered
neonates. The overall mortality rate was 5%
(5 out of 100); however, it was significantly
higher in neonates (10%, 3 out of 30).
Inadequate perinatal care, prematurity,
associated congenital anomalies and delayed
referrals were the significant contributing
factors for mortality. First contact community
physician and their continuing medical
education especially regarding the neonatal
intestinal obstruction will have a significant
role to play.
