OBJECTIVE: To discuss the computerized tomography (CT) finding of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction (EPISBO) so as to enhance its diagnostic level. METHODS: The CT findings of 35 EPISBO cases proved by surgery were retrospectively analyzed from August 2003 to October 2008. RESULTS: The main CT findings were as follows: (1) Incomplete small bowel obstruction; (2) Thickening and edema of focal or global bowel wall; (3) Local or diffuse effusion mainly around operative incision; (4) Without definite obstruction point or bent adhesive point; (5) Locally ring-shaped or delayed enhancement during an enhancement scan. CONCLUSION: Spiral CT has an important value in the diagnosis of EPISBO.
OBJECTIVE: To discuss the computerized tomography (CT) finding of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction (EPISBO) so as to enhance its diagnostic level. METHODS: The CT findings of 35 EPISBO cases proved by surgery were retrospectively analyzed from August 2003 to October 2008. RESULTS: The main CT findings were as follows: (1) Incomplete small bowel obstruction; (2) Thickening and edema of focal or global bowel wall; (3) Local or diffuse effusion mainly around operative incision; (4) Without definite obstruction point or bent adhesive point; (5) Locally ring-shaped or delayed enhancement during an enhancement scan. CONCLUSION: Spiral CT has an important value in the diagnosis of EPISBO.