Keywords
Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
Gastrografin
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a common and serious complication in children after abdominal surgery, often requiring complex surgical intervention. Recently, interest has grown in using Gastrografin to help manage ASBO without surgery. This study was conducted to investigate its potential role as a treatment option in children not responding to initial conservative care.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at The Children’s Hospital, Lahore, between July 2023 and December 2024. Children with adhesive small bowel obstruction who didn’t improve with initial conservative care were given a Gastrografin trial and monitored over 48 hours. Outcomes included clinical resolution, time to improvement, and need for surgery.
Results: Out of 32 children with adhesive small bowel obstruction, 26 (81.2%) responded successfully to the Gastrografin trial. Most showed improvement within 24 hours, avoiding the need for surgery. The average hospital stay after Gastrografin trial was 3 days, and no major complications related to contrast were reported.
Conclusion: Gastrografin was effective in resolving adhesive small bowel obstruction in most children, reducing the need for surgery and hospital stay. The findings suggest it can ease both medical and financial burdens. Larger trials and standardized protocols are needed to confirm and guide its future use