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>0.05, 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.
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>0.05, 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.