Pattern of mechanical intestinal obstruction in Ibadan: a ten year review.

A retrospective review of 232 patients with (mechanical) instestinal obstruction managed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan over a ten-year period: 1978 to 1987. The leading aetiological factor was obstructed inguinal hernia (45.7%), although its incidence seems to be on the decline. Ileo-colic type instussusception was the most prevalent variety (62.8%) with preponderance of the paediatric age group. There is an observed increase in the proportion of obstruction due to tumours. Ascaris infestation is no longer a prominent aetiological factor. One third of the 8.2% mortality rate observed was in neonates.