Role of Gastrografin Contrast Study in Intestinal Obstruction

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction is complete or partial blockage of intestinal tract. The main causes for the obstruction are either mechanical such as adhesions, inflammation, tumours, volvulus, and hernia or nonmechanical such as paralytic ileus, metabolic abnormalities, or mesenteric ischaemia. Abdominal X-rays still hold an important part in the management of this condition. Aim: Administration of gastrografin has been proved to be helpful in diagnosing the site of obstruction and gastrografin acts as a therapeutic agent thus minimizing the need for surgery. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India. A total of 60 patients with clinically and radiologically demonstrable features of intestinal obstruction were included in the study. Gastrografin was administered in these patients and improvements, if any, were recorded. Results: Out of 60 patients administered gastrografin, obstruction was completely resolved in 57 (95%). Surgery should be considered if obstruction fails to improve after 48 hours of conservative management. Conclusion: Intestinal obstruction is a very common general surgical problem leading to repeated hospital admissions and significant morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of small bowel obstruction is adhesions. Gastrografin administration is effective in early resolution of obstruction, avoidance of surgery and in turn, a shorter hospital stay. So it has a definite role in the management of intestinal obstruction.

Keywords

• adhesiolysis
• gastrografin dye
• laparotomy
• mesenteric ischaemia
• paralytic ileus
• volvulus