The clinical value of multislice spiral CT versus that of plain film radiography in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction

Objective To compare the clinical value of multislice spiral CT ( MSCT ) with that of plain film radiography in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.Methods The data of abdominal CT scans and plain film radiography for 83 patients with intestinal obstruction were analyzed.The diagnostic value and clinical value ( image quality,difficulty of operation,and comfort level to patients ) were compared.Results There were sigificant differences between MSCT and plain film radiography in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and the determination of obstruction sites and causes of obstruction ( P＜ 0.01 ).Of 37 patients with strangulation confirmed by surgery,only 5 were found by plain film radiography but all were found by MSCT.There was a significant statistical difference in the detection rate between the two approaches ( P＜ 0.01 ).MSCT was also superior to plain film radiography in image quality,difficulty of operation,and comfort level to patients ( P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions Multislice spiral CT has a higher clinical value than plain film radiography in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Key words: Multi-slice spiral CT;  Plain film radiography;  Intestinal obstruction