Best way to diagnose lower small intestine obstruction?
Ans. (b) Multiple air fluid levelsRef: Bailey 26th edition, Page 1189* Two views are allowed to diagnose Small intestinal obstruction:# Supine abdominal film# Erect abdominal film* Bailey and Love says:"Erect films are no more advised, only supine films are enough to diagnose obstruction. In cases of doubt -- erect films are taken"Author's note: But we practically depend more on erect film -- if more than 5 air fluid levels are seen we confirm obstruction.* Findings:# Supine film: Gas filled bowel loops# Erect film: Stepladder pattern of air fluid levels# Air fluid levels appear late.# Number of air fluid levels is directly proportional to the degree of obstruction and distance of obstruction, more distal obstruction has more fluid levels.
Pain abdomen
Multiple air fluid levels
Profuse bilious vomiting
Feculent vomiting
Small & Large Intestine