Small Bowel Obstruction

Diagnostic Value of Plain and Contrast Radiography, and Multi-slice Computed Tomography in Diagnosing Intestinal Obstruction in Different Locations

Early intestinal obstruction is easily misdiagnosed. Many physicians consider terminal bouton if computed tomography (CT) scan is done. However, different examinations provide diverse information and significance. This retrospective, randomized, clinical study investigated the diagnostic value of three imaging modalities for intestinal obstruction, supine and upright (or decubitus) plain abdominal radiography, contrast radiography using Gastrografin, and 64 multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT). A total 142 patients with intestinal obstruction were examined. The diagnostic accuracy of plain radiography, contrast radiography, and MSCT for detecting small bowel obstruction was 62.5, 85, and 77.5 %, for localizing the obstruction was 0, 90, and 78.75 %, and for determining the cause of obstruction was 0, 71, and 65 %, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy for detecting large bowel obstruction was 53.23, 73.17, and 92 %, and for localizing the obstruction was 38.17, 60.98, and 98 %, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT in determining the cause of obstruction was 91 %. None of the patients administered Gastrografin experienced any adverse effects. In conclusion, MSCT has great diagnostic value in identifying the site and cause of intestinal obstruction, especially in cases of large bowel obstruction. Contrast radiography using Gastrografin was effective in diagnosing and treating small bowel obstruction, making it a beneficial adjunct to MSCT.

Prospective evaluation of oral gastrografin(®) in the management of postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction

Oral Gastrografin®, a hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast medium, may have a therapeutic effect in adhesive small bowel obstruction. However, findings are still conflicting, as some authors did not find a therapeutic advantage. So, this prospective, randomized, and clinical trial study was designed to determine the value of Gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction. The primary end points were the evaluation of the operative rate reduction and shortening the hospital stay after the use of Gastrografin. A total of 84 patients were randomized into two groups: the control group received conventional treatment, whereas the study group received in addition of 100 mL Gastrografin meal. Patients were followed up within 4 days after admission, and clinical and radiological (if needed) improvements were evaluated. Although the results showed that Gastrografin can decrease the need for surgical management by 14.5 %, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (P = 0.07). Nevertheless, the length of hospital stay revealed a significant reduction from 4.67 ± 1.18 days to 2.69 ± 1.02 days (P = 0.00). The use of Gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction is safe and reduces the length of hospital stay. As a result, the cost of hospital bed occupancy is reduced. Hence, if there was no indication of emergency surgery, administration of oral Gastrografin as a nonoperative treatment in adhesive small bowel obstruction is also recommended.