Small intestinal volvulus in Southern Ethiopia.
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.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
A rural general hospital with 250 beds.


METHODS
Ninety eight of 235 patients operated on for acute intestinal obstruction. There were 88 males and 10 females (age range of 16-65 years).


METHODS
All patients who were operated on for acute intestinal obstruction during 1992-1996 were included.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Demissie
M
M
Department of Surgery, St Paul's Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012424:Rural Population; D016896:Treatment Outcome