Conservative treatment for round worm intestinal obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The ascariasis is one of the most cosmopolitan intestinal parasite infections and it can be in inhospitable regions inhabited by human being, but its biggest prevalence is observed in the tropical and subtropical areas. Intestinal obstruction has been estimated to occur in 2 per 1000 ascaris-infected children per year. We are presenting a study emphasizing the conservative treatment for complete intestinal obstruction due to roundworms without sign and symptom of peritonitis and perforation.

METHODS: A total of 22 patients of roundworm obstruction partial or complete without signs of and symptoms of peritonitis were admitted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery IMS, BHU Varanasi India in the period form 2003-2005. Patients were put nil by mouth, intravenous fluid, antibiotics, piperazine salt through nasogastric tube and glycerine + liquid paraffin emulsion enemas and were evaluated for duration of hospital stay, rate of conversion to surgical treatment and complications.

RESULTS: 19 (86%) patients were treated successfully with conservative line of management. Only 3 patients required surgical intervention. No mortality, complication and mean hospital stay was 4.1 days (range 4-5 days).

CONCLUSION: Round worm intestinal obstruction can be effectively treated by conservative line of management.