Intestinal obstruction in Nigerian children.

A 10-yr review of acute intestinal obstruction in 280 Nigerian children reveals that the condition is the major cause of surgical emergencies in Nigerian children, as in children of other developing countries. These are significant differences of pediatric intestinal obstruction in developing countries, as compared with the pattern in other parts of the world. Intussuscaption was the leading cause followed by incarcerated or strangulated hernia. Lateness in presentation was common, with a resulting high morbidity and prolonged hospital stay. The overall mortality was 16%, but mortality of 33% was recorded in the neonatal group.