Small bowel obstruction - The water-soluble follow-through revisited

AIMS: The aim of the present study to examine the use of a modified water-soluble follow-through in the diagnosis and management of small bowel obstruction (SBO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients were recruited to the study: 33 into the control group and 29 into the study group. A modified small bowel follow-through (SBFT) was performed in the study group patients. The control group Was managed conventionally. Assessment was made by questionnaire documenting initial surgical diagnosis and likelihood of operative intervention, final: diagnosis and surgical outcome (operative versus non-operative). RESULTS: SBFT changed the diagnosis in 12/24 of the study group (p < 0.01). In the study group 8/24 proceeded to surgery whereas 19/33 underwent laparotomy in the control group, representing a relative risk reduction of 52% but this was not statistically significant (0.10 > p > 0.65, chi-squared test). CONCLUSION: SBFT remains a valid and useful tool in surgical management of SBO. In particular it aids diagnostic confidence in planning surgical intervention, particularly in uncomplicated patients. Brochwicz-Lewinski, M. J. et al. (2003). Clinical Radiology 58: 393-397. (C) 2003 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by ElsevierScience Ltd. All rights reserved.