Challenges of Malignant Small Bowel Obstruction – Results of a State Surgical Mortality Dataset
Skyle Murphy
Logan Hospital, Corner Armstrong and Loganlea Roads, Meadowbrook, Queensland, 4131, Australia
Arkadiusz Peter Wysocki *
Logan Hospital, Corner Armstrong and Loganlea Roads, Meadowbrook, Queensland, 4131, Australia
Jennifer Allen
Queensland Audit of Surgical Mortality, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, P.O.Box 7476, East Brisbane, Queensland, 4169, Australia
Therese Rey-Conde
Queensland Audit of Surgical Mortality, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, P.O.Box 7476, East Brisbane, Queensland, 4169, Australia
John B. North
Queensland Audit of Surgical Mortality, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, P.O.Box 7476, East Brisbane, Queensland, 4169, Australia
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Small bowel obstruction is a common acute surgical pathology. Despite the substantial postoperative mortality associated with small bowel obstruction (SBO), there is limited evidence to support clinical decision-making. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in system, patient and operative features in adults who died following operative treatment of malignant versus nonmalignant small bowel obstruction.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of adults with SBO who died in hospital while under the care of a surgeon. Data was collected by the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality from Queensland hospitals between January 2009 and December 2014.
Results: 523 patients died post-operatively following surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction over the six-year study period. The most common etiologies were adhesive (41%), malignancy (25%) and hernia (16%). Compared to those with a nonmalignant etiology, patients with malignant SBO were younger (P < 0.001) but had a longer mean pre-operative inpatient admission (P = 0.007), and were more likely to require an anastomosis at the time of operation (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Despite being younger, patients with malignant small bowel obstruction are challenging to manage. Further studies are needed to help surgeons manage patients with malignant small bowel obstruction.
Keywords: Small bowel obstruction, mortality, audit, laparotomy