Value of Spiral CT in the Diagnosis of Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction

Objective:To investigate the value of spiral CT in the diagnosis of mechanical intestinal obstruction. Methods: 48 cases of surgery proved intestinal obstruction were analyzed retrospectively.All cases underwent emergency plain CT scanning.Among them,6 cases had contrast enhanced CT.Results of CT and surgery were correlated with pathology findings.Results:All CT diagnosis were in concordance with the surgical findings.① CT accurately displayed the site (small intestine,n=29;colon n=19);the cause (abdominal wall hernia,n=13;neoplasm n=19;adhesions,n=14;intussusception,n=3;gallstone ileus,n=2) of intestinal obstruction and the existence of strangulation (n=7).② CT revealed both direct signs (dilatation and air-fluid level within intestine) and indirect signs (status of intestinal wall,mesentery,close-loop formation,hemorrhage and ascites) of intestinal obstruction.Conclusion:CT scanning is helpful in detecting the existence,as well as the site,the cause of intestinal obstruction.Furthermore,whether there is intestinal strangulation can also be revealed.Thus,CT provides important information in the diagnosis of mechanical intestinal obstruction.