This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Long‐term follow‐up and cost analysis following surgery for small bowel obstruction caused by intra‐abdominal adhesions. BJS 2007; 94: 743-748.
Published: 1st March 2007
Authors: B. Tingstedt, J. Isaksson, R. Andersson
Background
This study examined the natural course of patients following surgery for small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by abdominal adhesions. In addition, a cost analysis was performed.
Method
A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 102 patients who underwent surgery between 1987 and 1992 for intestinal obstruction due to abdominal adhesions.
Results
Median follow‐up was 14 years. The 102 patients experienced 273 episodes of intestinal obstruction after the index operation, of which 237 involved inpatient readmissions; 47·3 per cent of the episodes resulted in further surgery. Single band adhesions were more common in patients with no previous abdominal surgery (P < 0·001). Some 52·0 per cent of the patients had undergone only one operation for SBO. A mean of 2·7 episodes per patient occurred after the index operation. The cost of adhesion‐related problems in this study was €1 588 594 or €6702 per inpatient episode.
Conclusion
The readmission rate in a selected cohort of patients with proven intra‐abdominal adhesions was higher than reported previously. The annual cost of adhesion‐related problems in Sweden was estimated as €39·9–59·5 million, and the cost of inpatient readmissions was almost equal to that for gastric cancer. Copyright © 2007 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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