Small intestinal volvulus in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Small intestinal volvulus (SIV) is a common surgical emergency encountered in many countries. It was reported as the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in the southern part of Ethiopia. Objective: This study was intended to evaluate the magnitude and treatment outcome of SIV in a rural hospital. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: A rural general hospital with 250 beds. Subjects: Ninety eight of 235 patients operated on for acute intestinal obstruction. There were 88 males and 10 females (age range of 16-65 years). Intervention: All patients who were operated on for acute intestinal obstruction during 1992-1996 were included. Main outcome measures: Age of patients, duration of the illness and extent of the bowel involved, treatment, and complications were the main outcome measures. Results: Of the 235 patients with acute intestinal obstruction, 98 (41.7%) had SIV. The mean age was 34 years (range 16-65 years). The male to female ratio was 8.8:1.0. SIV occurred mostly among young adults most of whom were farmers. Postoperative complications occurred in 36 cases. The mortality rate was 13.3%, sepsis being the most frequent cause of death. Conclusion: Small intestinal volvulus was the leading cause of intestinal obstruction in this series. Early diagnosis and prompt operative intervention minimises the morbidity and mortality rate.