Application of a novel small intestine decompression method in patients with intestinal obstruction: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Intestinal obstruction, characterized by the impaired transit of intestinal contents due to various etiologies, constitutes a prevalent surgical emergency. In certain cases, surgical intervention becomes imperative, wherein intraoperative intestinal decompression is frequently necessitated. Ensuring effective decompression while minimizing contamination of the operative field constitutes a pivotal step that exerts a direct influence on postoperative outcomes.

AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy of cannula-assisted decompression techniques employed during intraoperative intestinal decompression procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of 70 patients diagnosed with small bowel obstruction and treated at the Department of General Surgery, Anqing Municipal Hospital, between January 2023 and November 2024 was performed. Of these patients, 37 underwent cannula-assisted decompression, while 33 received conventional enterotomy decompression. The clinical utility of the cannula-assisted technique was evaluated by comparing intraoperative variables and postoperative recovery indicators between the two cohorts.

RESULTS

The cannula-assisted group exhibited statistically significant advantages over the conventional decompression group in terms of reduced operative duration for intestinal decompression, increased volume of evacuated intraluminal contents, and diminished contamination of the surgical field (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this group demonstrated enhanced postoperative recovery, as indicated by a more rapid return of bowel function - reflected in shortened time to first flatus - and a lower rate of incisional infections relative to the conventional decompression group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The application of cannula-assisted decompression techniques effectively facilitates intraoperative decompression of the small intestine, reduces procedural duration, mitigates surgical field contamination, and expedites postoperative recovery.