The value of CT diagnosis of intestinal obstruction

Objective:To assess the value of computed tomography in diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.Methods:CT and plain abdominal radiography in 36 cases with intestinal obstruction were analyzed.Surgical operations were done in 24 cases,while conservative treatment with gastrointestinal decompression and anti-inflammatory agent was adopted in 12 cases.Twelve cases had history of abdominal surgical operation.Results:Plain film and CT made accurate diagnosis in 20 and 34 cases respectively.Etiological diagnosis was made by CT accurately in 19 cases, this included:16 colorectal carcinoma,1 mesenteric cyst in association with intestinal volvulus,1 lymphoma of colon in association with intussusception, 1 lipoma of colon in association with intussusception.Combined with history of abdominal surgical operation,CT could make accurate etiological diagnosis in 31 cases.Conclusion:As to find the cause of obstruction,CT is superior to the plain abdominal radiography.CT can show the configuration of narrowed segment of intestine,thus to evaluate the nature of the disease and provide suggestions for the therapeutic planning.