Comparison of Abdominal X-ray Findings and Results of Surgery in Neonates with Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction is one of the most important surgical emergencies in neonates. Surgeons should select between conservative and invasive strategies. Imaging modalities are important in proper diagnosis. This study evaluates the sensitivity of abdominal radiographies (with or without contrast) in detection of neonatal GI obstruction.
A cross-sectional study was performed on 62 neonates admitted in NICU of 22 Bahman and Dr. Sheikh Hospitals (Mashhad, Iran) from June 2013 for two years. Radiographic findings were recorded in questionnaires and compared with surgical results in patients who underwent surgery. Statistical analysis was used for determining the sensitivity of radiologic investigations in diagnosis of neonatal gastrointestinal obstruction.
From 62 neonates with GI obstruction, 46.8% of cases were female and the others were male. According to surgery results, the frequency of colon obstruction was 51.6% and small bowel obstruction, gastric outlet obstruction and esophageal obstruction were seen in 27.4%, 9.7% and 17.7% of cases, respectively. The sensitivity of radiographies (with or without contrast) in detection of upper GI obstruction was 100% and in lower GI obstruction was 95.2%.
Generally, sensitivity of radiologic studies (radiographies with and without contrast) in neonatal GI obstruction was 96.5%, so it is a valuable noninvasive diagnostic method in these diseases.