Changing pattern of intestinal obstruction at Nnewi, South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency. Its pattern and causes vary between communities. Previous reports, including a study from Nnewi, showed obstructed external hernias to be the most common cause. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the current pattern of intestinal obstruction at Nnewi. Materials and Methods: All case notes of intestinal obstruction managed at Nnewi between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2009, were retrieved and analyzed. Results: It was found that adhesions caused 62.1% of cases of intestinal obstruction, while obstructed external hernias caused 21.4%. The rest were from other causes. Furthermore, 62.5% of intestinal obstruction from adhesions were managed nonoperatively. Conclusion: Adhesion has emerged as the most common cause of intestinal obstruction at Nnewi.