AbstractIntroduction: Mortality and morbidity are dependent on early recognition and correct diagnosis of obstruction. If untreated, strangulated obstruction causes death in 100% of patients. If surgery is performed within 36 hours, the mortality decreases to 8%. The mortality rate is 25% if surgery is postponed beyond 36 hours in these patients.
Methodology: A minimum of 50 consecutive cases presenting with acute intestinal obstruction in hospital was selected for the study. This was a prospective study of 50 cases presenting with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute intestinal obstruction. A detailed structured Proforma was used to collect this information. All data was entered on master chart for analysis.
Results: The commonest presenting symptom was abdominal pain (100%) followed by vomiting (92%), distention of abdomen (84%) and absolute constipation (60%).
Conclusion: The incidence of intestinal obstruction is more common in males compared to females. Small bowel obstruction was more common than large bowel obstruction.