Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction: Factors Affecting Survivial

A total of 64 newborn patients with different problems requiring abdominal surgery were studied during one year period from Oct, 1993 to Sept, 1994. Imperforate anus (undergoing colostomy) occurred in 28(43.75%). Jejunoileal atresia accounted for 15(23.44%) cases while Hirschsprungs disease was seen in Duodenal obstruction, omphaloceles, neonatal bowel perforation and incarcerated inguinal hernias accounted each for 2(3.12%) cases while meconium peritonitis was seen in one (1.56%) patients. Survival rates for imperforate anus, Hirschspruing's dsiease and jejunoileal atresia were 89.28%, 100% and 60% respectively. Gastroschisis meconium ileus showed 33.33% and 66.66% survival rates respectively. all the rest of the newborn patients survived from surgical manipulations. the overall survival was 81.25% for all 64 patients exposed to anaesthetist and medical staff and lack of facilities were the major problems related with the management of neonatal intestinal obstruction. The overall mortality was 18.75%. Infection (septicemia), respiratory failure and metabolic disturbances being the major causes of death.