Role of gastrografin in the management of small bowel obstruction: A study of 355 cases

The effect of Gastrografin on the management of small bowel obstruction was evaluated retrospectively. A total of 355 patients with small bowel obstruction (excluding those with abdominal wall hernia) formed the study population: 219 (61.7%) were treated conservatively without Gastrografin, and 136 (38.3%) were treated conservatively with Gastrografin. Of the first group, 26.0% required surgery as compared with 9.5% of the second group (p < 0.05). After exclusion of those patients who underwent surgery during the first 24 h because of complete obstruction or progressive deterioration in their condition (15 and 3, respectively), surgical treatment was needed in 19% of those who were treated without Gastrografin versus only 7.3% in those who received Gastrografin (p < 0.05). The use of Gastrografin may reduce the need for surgery in patients with small bowel obstruction, without increasing complication rates.