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Changing Epidemiology of Intestinal Obstruction in Ghana: Signs of Increasing Surgical Capacity and an Aging Population.
- Source :
-
Digestive Surgery . Sep2015, Vol. 32 Issue 5, p389-396. 8p. 4 Charts. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Introduction: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of intestinal obstruction at a tertiary hospital in Ghana over time. Methods: Records of all patients admitted to a tertiary hospital from 2007 to 2011 with intestinal obstruction were identified using ICD-9 codes. Sociodemographic and clinical data were compared to a previously published series of intestinal obstructions from 1998 to 2003. Factors contributing to longer than expected hospital stays and death were further examined. Results: Of the 230 records reviewed, 108 patients (47%) had obstructions due to adhesions, 50 (21%) had volvulus, 22 (7%) had an ileus from perforation and 14 (6%) had intussusception. Hernia fell from the 1st to the 8th most common cause of obstruction. Patients with intestinal obstruction were older in 2007-2011 compared to those presenting between 1998 and 2003 (p < 0.001); conditions associated with older age (e.g. volvulus and neoplasia) were more frequently encountered (p < 0.001). Age over 50 years was strong factor of in-hospital death (adjusted OR 14.2, 95% CI 1.41-142.95). Conclusion: Efforts to reduce hernia backlog and expand the surgical workforce may have had an effect on intestinal obstruction epidemiology in Ghana. Increasing aging-related pathology and a higher risk of death in elderly patients suggest that improvement in geriatric surgical care is urgently needed. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02534886
- Volume :
- 32
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Digestive Surgery
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 109362499
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000438798