BACKGROUND Acute intestinal obstruction is one of the most common surgical emergencies in all age groups, all throughout the world. Whether caused by hernia, postoperative adhesions, neoplasm or related biochemical disturbances, intestinal obstruction of either sma ll bowel or large bowel continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. While the main causes of intestinal obstruction may vary from country to country or among regions within a specific country, knowledge of the local disease patterns and outcomes may raise the index of suspicion, and reduce delays in diagnosis and intervention. This is helpful in settings with limited diagnostic modalities where making a definitive diagnosis may be challenging. The aim of the study is to analyse the profile of acute intestinal obstruction in operated cases and to analyse the morbidity and mortality factors in these cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective study of 210 patients with features of acute intestinal obstruction and was operated in MKCG Medical College Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha from August 2014 to July 2016. Inclusion Criteria-Patients in all age groups with clinical picture suggestive of acute intestinal obstruction and underwent laparotomy. Exclusion Criteria-Patients with provisional diagnosis of intestinal obstruction managed non-surgically. RESULTS The maximum incidence was seen in 41-60 years age group with male predominance. Pain abdomen, constipation, abdominal distension and vomiting were present in majority of cases. Common aetiologies were external hernias, bands, adhesions, volvulus and colon cancer. Small bowel was involved in 64.7% cases and large bowel in 33.8%. Resection-anastomosis, adhesiolysis and hernioplasty were the common procedures done. Postoperative complications were seen in 20.47% of cases. The mortality rate was 8.09%. CONCLUSION Acute intestinal obstruction still remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The pattern of obstruction is changing with increasing adhesions and decreasing hernias. The diagnosis of strangulation is still a challenge. Prompt intervention in cases of strangulation is the key for a better outcome. Even though there are great advances in technology at the investigation level, clinical judgement based on history, physical examination and radiography of the abdomen forms the main part in diagnosing a case of acute intestinal obstruction.

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BACKGROUND Objective-To study the incidence of abnormalities of serum Na + and K + in all adult head injury patients and to analyse its effect on management and final outcome.