Magnitude of adult Intestinal Obstruction and Associated Factors in Wolkite University Specialized Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Intestinal obstruction (IO) is defined as a blockage or partial blockage of the passage of the intestinal contents. Based on the anatomical location, the intestinal obstruction could be classified as small bowel obstruction (SBO), large bowel obstruction (LBO). Also it can be either mechanical or functional depending on the underlying pathophysiology of obstruction. In 80% of cases, intestinal obstruction occurs in the small bowel. The cause of intestinal obstruction has varied geographically. In developed countries, adhesion is the main cause of intestinal obstruction since hernias and volvulus are the common reasons for intestinal obstruction across Africa. It is one of the most common acute abdominal disorders which require emergency surgical admission and is commonly related to high mortality of 3%–30% across the globe. Objective: To assess magnitude of intestinal obstruction and its associated factors. Methodology: An institution based cross sectional study will be conducted at Wolkite University Specialized Teaching Hospital and Medical records of 278 cases of non-traumatic acute abdomen were retrieved from patient surgical registration logbook. Data was collected by using checklist and subsequently entered into SPSS VERSION OF 27. A logistic regression model was employed to determine associated factors and the result were presented in the form of figures, tables and texts. Result: This study included 278 non traumatic surgical acute abdomen cases and of which 73.4% were males and 26.6% were females. Among the patients who are admitted with the diagnosis of non -traumatic acute abdomen about 221(79.5%), 46(16.5%) and 11(4%) fall in the age category of 15-49, 50-65 and above 65 years of age respectively. Sixty six (23.7%) of patients were from Wolkite town while 212(76.2%) of patients were from outside Wolkite Town. From study subjects 92(33.1%) cases were intestinal obstruction. From the total cases of obstruction 72(78.3%) were small bowel obstruction and 20(21.7%) were large bowel obstruction. Age, history of constipation and previous history of intestinal obstruction were found to have statistically significant association with intestinal obstruction. Conclusion Intestinal obstruction remains a major cause of morbidity in our environment. Intestinal obstruction is the second common cause for non-traumatic acute abdominal admission accounting 33.1% in the study area. Small bowel obstruction is relatively more common than large bowel obstruction in Wolkite University Specialized Teaching Hospital. Patient in the age of 15-49 are more affected by Small bowel obstruction. Aged patients, patients from rural areas, those with previous history of intestinal obstruction and previous history of operation are at increased risk of having intestinal obstruction