A prospective study was conducted on 54 cases of neonatal intestinal obstruction, admitted in Paediatric surgery department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital during the period from January 2008 to December 2008, a period of 12 months. The objective of the study was to find out etiological aspect and outcome of admitted patient with neonatal intestinal obstruction. The patient constituted 33.7% of total neonatal admission in Paediatric surgery department during the study period. The male: female ratio was 1.4:1 with age ranging from 1 to 28 days. Birth weight of most of the patients was above 2 kg. Most of the patients came from poor and average family. Patients from poor family are slightly ahead. Plain x-ray abdomen was done in all cases in our study. Contrast radiography performed in selected cases. Ultrasound scan done to in selective case to rule out IHPS. No rectal biopsy was taken in case of suspected Hirschsprung's disease. The causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction were in order of frequency-Hirschsprung's disease (45.2%), Intestinal atresia (24.5%), malrotation (9.4%), bands & adhesion (5.6%), meconium ileus (5.6%), volvulus neonatarum (5.6%), meconium plug syndrome (1.8%), unknown (3.7%). 50 patients were treated operatively. 28.3% cases developed complications. Most of the complications were related to colostomy and sepsis. Overall mortality was 20.8%. Mortality was maximum in intestinal atresia. Every patient was advised to come for follow up at the time of discharge but most of the people did not report. In the study only 17 (32.1%) patient came for follow up as per advice.TAJ 2009; 22(1): 198-203

Background: Intussusception is one of the major causes of bowel obstruction in infancy and childhood. Proper diagnosis and effective management have significantly reduced its mortality and morbidity in developed country. Aim: To document the mode of presentation and treatment outcome of Intussusception at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Patients and Methods: Thirty three consecutive cases of this condition seen at paediatric surgical ward over one year period were prospectively studied. Details of symptoms and signs, pre-hospital care, treatment and outcome were documented. Result: The triad of abdominal pain, bloody mucoid stools and palpable abdominal mass was seen in 24 (72%) of the cases. Twenty one (63%) had been admitted and treated with intravenous fluids in peripheral health centre for an average of 3 days before referral to this hospital. Prolonged mean duration of recognizable symptoms of 3 days accounted for a 58% bowel resection rate. Wound infection occurred in 11(33.3%) and burst abdomen in 07 (21.2%) of cases. Faecal fistulae developed in 02 (06%) and incisional hernia developed in 03 (09%) of the patients. Overall, mortality rate was 09%. Conclusion: the early symptoms of Intussusceptions would seem to be missed by primary health workers, with consequently high morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to re-emphasize these symptoms to the first line healthcare providers and parents through public enlightenment campaigns.

Laparoscopic appendectomy considered as superior alternative to open appendectomy. Usual laparoscopic appendectomy is performed with the three port system. In this study, we performed a unique single transumblical incision two-port laparoscopic assisted appendectomy with the aim to reduce postoperative port site complication as well as improving cosmesis and patients satisfaction. From January 2010, 32 patients were admitted with clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis and were randomly assigned to single transumblical incision two-port laparoscopic assisted appendectomy. Transumblical single incision two-port laparoscopic assisted appendectomy was attempted in all patients (9 males and 23 females) with an average age of 9.2 years. Transumblical single incision two-port laparoscopic assisted appendectomy was successfully completed in 31 patients. In one patient, another additional port required due to severe adhesion of the appendix. Mean operation time was 25.2 minutes (range, 17-38), and mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.Sdays (range 1-2). Postoperative complications (local pericaecal abscess) occurred in one case that was treated conservatively. Transumblical single incision two-port laparoscopic assisted appendectomy appears to be a feasible and safe technique for the treatment of acute appendicitis in the paediatric setting. It allows nearly scar less abdominal surgery. The true benefit of the technique should be assessed by randomized controlled trials.TAJ 2009; 22(1): 289-294