Intestinal obstruction in children due to Ascariasis: A tertiary health centre experience

Abstract

Roundworm obstruction should be considered in the differential diagnoses of all cases of intestinal obstruction in children. Clinical history and examination along with X-ray and ultrasonography are very helpful for diagnosis of this surgical emergency. Most cases of intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris can be managed conservatively; however emergency surgery is needed in patients with abdominal guarding and rigidity.

Exploratory laparotomy for acute intestinal conditions in children: A review of 10 years of experience with 334 cases

“…However, emergency surgery (enterotomy, milking of the worm to colon and segmental resection and anastomosis) is needed in patients with features of gangrene and perforation. [4,12] We had six cases of ascariasis, three presented with intestinal obstruction and the other three with peritonitis. Patients of ascariasis treated conservatively in our department were not included in this study.…”

“…[2] The causes of obstruction in children are anorectal malformations, intussusception, Meckel's diverticulum, abdominal Koch's, congenital band obstructions, Hirschsprung's disease, ascariasis, etc. [2][3][4] Intussusception remains a common cause of bowel obstruction in young children and results in significant morbidity and mortality, if not promptly treated. [2,3,5] Typhoid ileal perforation is still prevalent in many developing countries and associated with very high morbidity and mortality in children.…”

Death Due To Complication of Ascariasis: A Case Report

“…Obstruction due to Ascariasis commonly occurs at the terminal ileum. Usually Ultrasonography indicates the presence of round worms [2] but was not seen in our case. Death due to ascaris is very rare.…”

“…Roundworm related intestinal obstruction is more common in children because of the smaller diameter of the lumen of the bowel [2]. Obstruction due to Ascariasis commonly occurs at the terminal ileum.…”

Surgical complications of Ascaris lumbricoides in children

“…[1] Common acute surgical abdomen caused by Ascaris infestation include small intestinal obstruction, volvulus, intussusception and perforation usually involving the appendix or Meckels diverticulum, ileum, and rarely through areas of pre-existing bowel pathology and biliary ascariasis. [12] Radiologic investigations are helpful in the managements of A. lumbricoides . [1–3] We present our experience of surgical complications of A. lumbricoides in 16 children.…”