FOOD BOLUS INTESTINAL-OBSTRUCTION IN A CHINESE POPULATION

Background: The aim of the present study was to review the authors' ex perience of the diagnosis and management of food bolus obstruction in a Chinese population. Methods: During the period 1990-96, 31 patients were treated for food bolus obstruction. The records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Eighteen patients (58%) had a history of previous gastric surgery and 13 patients (42%) had an inta ct gastrointestinal tract. The most common site of impaction was the t erminal ileum, and a synchronous site of food bolus obstruction was pr esent in 16% of cases. A total of 91% of the food bolus retrieved was phytobezoar. In 15 cases, the food bolus was successfully milked into the caecum. Enterotomy for removal was necessary in 12 patients, and t wo underwent small-bower resection for necrosis. Conclusion: Food bolu s obstruction affects not only those who have had previous gastric sur gery, but also a significant proportion of those with an intact gastro intestinal tract.