Outcome of Management of Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction at a Tertiary Center in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Intestinal obstruction in a newborn remains a significant emergency in pediatric surgery. Clinical presentation is often subtle with sudden deterioration of their clinical states. Clinical outcome in the developing countries is poor owing to a variety of factors. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify the factors affecting the management outcome in our environment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on clinical presentation, management, and outcome of all neonates managed for intestinal obstruction over a 13-year period at a tertiary center in Nigeria were retrospectively reviewed. Analysis of factors affecting the management outcome was also performed. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen neonates comprising 85 (72.7%) boys and 32 (27.3%) girls were managed for intestinal obstruction. The age at presentation ranged from 0 to 29 days, with a mean of 6.86 ± 8.4 days. Seventy-five (64.1%) patients presented within a week of onset of symptoms and 42 (35.9%) patients later. Eighty-five patients (72.6%) presented with symptoms from birth. The most common causes of intestinal obstruction included anorectal malformation in 62 (53%) neonates and Hirschsprung's disease in 16 (13.7%) neonates. Other causes included obstructed inguinoscrotal hernias, duodenal atresia, jejunoileal atresia, malrotation, and annular pancreas. Eleven patients died with a mortality rate of 9.4%. The age at presentation (P = 0.001) and the presence of postoperative complications (P = 0.009) were significantly related to the duration of hospital stay. Furthermore, the presence of postoperative complications (P = 0.012) was significantly associated with postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: Early presentation and postoperative complications significantly affected the morbidity and mortality associated with the management of neonates with intestinal obstruction.