Background: Acute intestinal obstruction is one of common abdominal emergency and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially if it progresses to bowel ischemia. The aims of this study was to analyse aetiology and various modes of presentation of acute intestinal obstruction in adults at tertiary care centre.

Methods: 50 consecutive patients of 18 years and above presenting with acute intestinal obstruction were taken randomly and managed between January 2018 to December 2019.Out of these 50 cases, 31 were male, 19 were female, patients with subacute intestinal obstruction and patients with paralytic ileus were excluded in this study. Plain X-ray erect abdomen was done in all cases. Ultrasonography was done only in those patients whose X-ray finding was inconclusive. CT as a modality also included for work up.

Results: The most common age group affected was 51-60 years.. Incidence in male (31) was more as compared to female population (19). Pain abdomen was found in all (100%) patients, vomiting in 39(78%) patients, distension abdomen in 43 (86%) patients and constipation in 36 (72%) patients. Many patients had coincidence of symptoms. Commonest cause of acute intestinal obstruction noted was obstructed hernia.

Conclusions: Obstructed hernia was the commonest cause of obstruction. Pain abdomen is the most common presentation of acute intestinal obstruction. Earlier the presentation, the better the outcome was found.

Keyword: IO-Intestinal obstruction, SBO-Small bowel obstruction, LBO-Large bowel obstruction.

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Dr O.K. Maurya

Assoc. Prof. & H.O.D., Dept.of Surgery, Nalanda Medical College & Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India