THE DIAGNOSIS OF PARTIAL INTESTINAL-OBSTRUCTION BY SURFACE VIBRATION ANALYSIS (SVA)

Surface vibration analysis is a non-invasive test of gastrointestinal activity, which shows an 'obstructive' pattern of hyperactivity and quiescence, corresponding to cluster contractions, in experimental obstruction. This study has evaluated surface vibration analysis against clinical and operative diagnosis in suspected partial intestinal obstruction. Forty-six patients and 18 volunteers underwent surface vibration analysis tests. On clinical grounds, 28 patients were considered likely to have partial intestinal obstruction and underwent laparotomy. Only 14 of these were found to have dilated bowel proximal and normal or collapsed bowel distal to a potentially obstructive lesion, such as adhesions. Surface vibration analysis showed an 'obstructive' pattern in 12/14 patients with obstruction compared to only 3/14 without operative evidence of any obstruction. Surface vibration analysis amplitude values were also significantly higher in the obstruction group. Surface vibration analysis may provide a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of partial intestinal obstruction.