The Value of CT in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Acute Small-Bowel Obstruction

Objective To evaluate the role of CT in the diagnosis and management of patients with acute small-bowel obstruction.Methods CT findings in 55 cases with acute small-bowel obstruction, proved by surgery or clinical follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. The changes in therapy according to CT informations were recorded. Pre-and post-contrast CT scan of the abdomen was performed in 55 cases ,and the coronary images were reconstructed in 24 cases.Results The etiology resulted in acute small-bowel obstruction in 55 cases included adhesion(24 cases) ,primary or secondary neoplasm(10 cases),external hernia(5 cases) ,inflammatory process(6 cases) ,intussusception (4 cases),bowel torsion (2 cases),enterolith (2 cases),congenital lesion (1 case),paralytic ileus after trauma (1 case).The diagnosis of the causes of obstruction in 23 cases(42%) by clinic and in 50 cases(91%) by CT scan was correct.After sure diaguosis by CT scan,the clinical management was changed in 16 cases(29%).Conclusion CT scan not only is useful in establishing the cause of the acute small-bowel obstruction ,but also it help surgeons to improve the ability to correctly manage obstruction.