Causes of mechanical intestinal obstructions and diagnosis in adults

Objective Intestinal obstruction is defined as the presence of a blockage in the intestines that prevents the passage of contents, slowing down or halting the digestive process. It can be either mechanical or paralytic. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate mechanical intestinal obstructions, accurately determine their causes, and diagnose them in adults. Methods and Materials: A retrospective study was conducted, including a sample of 197 patients admitted to the surgery department at Damascus Hospital due to mechanical intestinal obstruction, from June 2021 to June 2024. The sample included patients aged over 18 years, from both genders. Data analysis was performed by a statistical expert. Results In our study, there were 128 male patients and 69 female patients, with an average age of 45 years. The most common age group was 18–30 years. We found that the most common cause of intestinal obstruction was adhesions (73.51%), followed by hernias (12.19%) and tumors (6.28%). The most frequent symptom was cessation of gas and stool passage (82.2%), followed by abdominal pain (78.7%) and then nausea and vomiting. The most important signs were abdominal distension (70.7%) and abdominal wall swelling (12.2%). The most commonly used diagnostic tool was a standing abdominal X-ray, utilized in 98.2% of cases. Management included bowel resection and intestinal anastomosis for tumors, while fecal impaction was managed surgically. A group of patients was managed conservatively. Conclusion Establishing a protocol that defines the symptoms and signs of intestinal strangulation would be highly beneficial for the early diagnosis of adhesion-related intestinal obstructions. This would enable earlier treatment, reducing complications and mortality.