Miscellaneous Causes of Intestinal Obstruction

Paralytic ileus Usually postoperative, sepsis or severe hypokalaemia/ hypomagnesaemia Urea and electrolyte estimation; plain x-ray of abdomen, presence of rectal gas Nasogastric decompression; intravenous fluids; electrolyte replenishment Introduction Various causes of mechanical bowel obstruction, such as intestinal atresias, intussusception, meconium ileus, external herniations, and midgut volvulus, have been covered elsewhere in this book. This chapter is concerned with the various other causes of obstruction that could be encountered in children in Africa. These conditions include peritoneal adhesions, parasites, foreign bodies, sigmoid volvulus and ileosigmoid knotting, internal herniations, external compression from abdominal masses, faecal impaction, and paralytic ileus. A summary of the important features and investigations of these conditions is outlined in Table 69.1.