Diagnostic Accuracy of CT Scan in Detection of Point of Transition of Small Bowel Obstruction

Abstract

Background: Bowel obstruction is the commonest health event of all surgical admissions for acute abdominal pain. Whenever a small bowel obstruction (SBO) is encountered, it is important to locate the transition point. Morphology of the point of transition also helps in determining the nature and cause of the intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) CT scan is the valuable diagnostic modality for the detection of the transition point of the SBO as it is rapid, noninvasive and readily available.  Objective: To observed the diagnostic accuracy of CT scan in the diagnosing of transition points of SBO by taking surgical findings as the gold standard. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: Department of Radiology, Liaquat National Hospital Post Graduate Medical Centre Karachi Pakistan. Duration: Six months from December 01, 2015 to May 31, 2016. Methods: There were 179 patients of aged between 20 and 60 years, having nausea, vomiting, abdominal pian, abdominal distension and of either gender were included. Patient demographics, clinical history and examination were done then the patient was followed by CT scan abdomen for the point of transition of SBO. The results of the CT scan were contrasted with results of the surgeries to find out the difference between the two findings in the diagnosis of point of transition and SBO. All findings were recorded on a predesigned Proforma. Analysis of data was done by SPSS version 26. Results: The average age of the patients was 42.82±10.64 years. Out of all patients’ males were 53.63% and females were 46.37%. CT scan showed the 81.1% sensitivity, 90.2% specificity, PPV 84.2%, NPV 92.7% and 89.4% accuracy in the diagnosis of the transition points of SBO.  Conclusion: In the study conclusion CT scan proven to be valuable diagnostic tool in the transition points detection among patients of SBO.