Spectrum of bands causing intestinal obstruction in pediatric patients: A three year retrospective study.

Abstract

Objective: To identify the spectrum of banks causing intestinal obstruction in pediatric patients at two tertiary care hospitals of Sindh, Pakistan. Study Design: Retrospective, Descriptive, Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, and Chandka Medical College, Larkana. Period: 1^st April 2020 to 30^th March 2023. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients under the age of 14 years who presented with intestinal obstruction. Data including demographic characteristics, clinical features, diagnostic modalities, etiology, treatment, and outcomes were noted and analyzed. Results: A total of 254 patients were included in our study. Congenital anomalies were the leading cause (63.0%), with malrotation (18.1%), intussusception (15.7%), and Hirschsprung's disease (11.4%) being most frequent. Acquired causes accounted for 27.2% of cases. Surgical intervention was required in 85.4% of patients. The mean hospital stay was 7.5 ± 3.2 days. The overall mortality rate was 4.7%, primarily associated with complex congenital anomalies and delayed presentation. Conclusion: Intestinal obstruction in children is predominantly caused by congenital anomalies. Timely surgical intervention can reduce the morbidity and mortality in most of the cases.