The following is a summary of the “Prompt intervention in large bowel obstruction management: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample analysis” published in the November 2022 issue of Surgery by Kwaan et al.


Ischemia and perforation can develop from a serious disease called a large intestinal blockage. There hasn’t been a thorough analysis of the value of quick action.

For a study, researchers sought to evaluate the rapid intervention, bowel obstruction patients in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample who received stoma, stent, and/or colectomy were utilized (defined as occurring within 2 days of admission). An adjusted study had three outcomes: hospital mortality, home discharge, and length of stay.

A quick intervention was given to 42.6% of the 31,277 patients. According to an adjusted analysis, patients with higher incomes had a higher likelihood of receiving the prompt intervention, while patients with comorbid conditions had a lower likelihood. Patients with benign obstruction and malignant obstruction were also less likely to be women than non-White people. No group differed from the other in terms of inpatient mortality (6%). Shorter LOS (-3 days) and discharge home (71% vs. 68%; P< 0.0001) happened in those who were treated quickly.

Rapid intervention in cases of major intestinal blockage reduced LOS and increased the probability that patients would be sent home, but there was no mortality benefit. Patients who were female, Black, and had lower incomes were less likely to receive fast assistance.

Reference: americanjournalofsurgery.com/article/S0002-9610(22)00447-0/fulltext

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