title: Ileus and intestinal obstruction--ultrasonographic findings as a guideline to therapy.
abstract: Between September 1, 1982 and January 31, 1986, a study was undertaken in a total of 111 patients to assess the efficacy of ultrasonography in diagnosing intestinal obstruction and ileus. In 109 cases (98%), ultrasonography provided the correct diagnosis. In one case, obstruction was correctly suspected. In another case, the diagnosis was false negative. In 51 cases (46%), ultrasonography yielded the causative diagnosis. Ultrasonography was especially rewarding in the diagnosis of X-ray-negative intestinal obstruction, very high obstruction, clinically concealed incarcerated femoral hernias and in the differentiation of intestinal obstruction and ileus in the postoperative course. Ultrasonographic differential diagnosis was a reliable guideline for adequate treatment modalities in pertinent cases, thus contributing to therapeutic success.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, General Hospital, Tamsweg, Austria.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Meiser
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Meissner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006550:Hernia, Femoral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*