A survey of etiology of intestinal obstruction in a pediatric surgery center in Tehran

Background: Intestinal obstruction is a common cause of abdominal surgery in pediatric age group. A delay in diagnosis and treatment of this disease can lead to serious complications. This study has been conducted to evaluate different causes of intestinal obstruction. Methods: 231 children were operated on intestinal obstruction. Prior to surgery all patients underwent a labarotory examination consisting of CBC, abdominal X–ray and, if necessary, gastrointestinal (GI) study with contrast media or CT-Scan and sonography. Final diagnosis was reached by surgical findings. Results: 231 children were operated due to intestinal obstruction. Among these, 128 cases, (55.4%) were male and 103 cases (44.6%) were female. The causes of intestinal obstruction were: Incarcerated hernia in 41 cases (17.7%), GI atresia in 38 cases (16.4%), malrotation in 32 cases (13.8%), anorectal malformation in 29 cases (12.5%) and benign or malignant masses inside or outside GI tract in 28 cases (12.1%). Conclusion: The most common causes of intestinal obstruction were: incarcerated hernia, GI atresia and malrotation.