title: Prospective evaluation of ultrasound in distal ileal and colonic obstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate prospectively the usefulness of ultrasound in determining the site and cause of distal small bowel and colonic obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ultrasound findings in 60 consecutive patients with suspected distal ileal or colonic obstruction were correlated with final surgical and radiological diagnoses. The diagnostic value of ultrasound was compared with plain abdominal radiography (AXR) for the presence and level of obstruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-five patients were confirmed to be obstructed. Ultrasound correctly identified obstruction in 44/45 and the cause in 36/45 (80%). Overall sensitivity of US for obstruction was 98% and specificity 80%, compared with 79% and 53% respectively for the AXR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound is useful in determining the presence and cause of distal ileal and colonic obstruction.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Radiology and Surgery, Furness General Hospital, Dalton Lane, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4LF.
authors.forename: N D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Grunshaw
authors.forename: I G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Renwick
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scarisbrick
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Nasmyth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007077:Ileal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography