ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES IN ACUTE INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN ADULTS
Suryottam Kumar* and Seema Akhta Kazmi
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Electrolytes are salts in the body that conduct electricity. Proper balance is essential for muscle co- ordination, heart function, fluid absorption and excretion. Bowel obstruction describes failure of aboral progression of intestinal contents. Aims and objectives: The aim of present study is to determine the electrolyte imbalances in acute intestinal obstruction in adults presenting with acute abdomen. Materials and methods: The material for this dissertation includes 35 cases of acute intestinal obstruction in adult patients, operated in Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Bihar. The present study comprises of cases admitted during one year. Emphasis was placed upon determining the exact duration of obstruction and previous treatment including fluid therapy received prior to admission. Before starting therapy blood sample was taken for investigation and analysis. Results & Discussion: The percentage of surgical admission reads 1.01%. Adhesive obstructions especially post operative formed the largest group in the series. Most of the obstructions were simple (57.14%). 37.14% patients presented with gangrene and 5.17% had perforation and peritonitis. Individual serum sodium levels in this series ranged from121 mEq/L to 133.3 mEq/L. Mean potassium values ranged from 3.9-5.1mEq/L. Serum chloride ranged from 90.5 to 98.2 mEq/L. Conclusion: The prognosis of intestinal obstruction can be considerably improved when the extent of associated water and electrolyte loss and need for intravenous replacement can be recognized.
[Full Text Article] [Download Certificate]