Small intestinal obstruction by food in young children: a view on the problem, literature data and own clinical observations

Purpose - to improve the results of treatment of young children with small intestinal obstruction due to the introduction of informative imaging technologies and modern video treatment technologies; to present own clinical observations of food-related obstruction of the digestive tract in young children and their treatment. The article provides a review of the literature on small intestinal obstruction caused by food in young children. Only four cases have been established. There are 2 cases of food obstruction (corn kernels, pineapple, red fish) in children under 3 years of age. Based on my own experience, the use of the term «phytobezoar» in the treatment of small intestinal obstruction is substantiated. All underwent surgical treatment: 1 - laparotomy, 1 - laparoscopic. All children recovered and were discharged from the clinic. The diagnosis and verification of food-related intestinal obstruction in young children is primarily based on the results of a thorough history. It is advisable to use the following methods in order to verify the location of the obstruction and establish the factor: X-ray examination of the organs of the abdominal cavity, both during hospitalization and during the course of the disease, CT scan, as well as ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. The presence of doubts in determining the cause of small intestinal obstruction is an indication for diagnostic laparoscopy. The interpretation of the term phytobezoar should have a basis, taking into account the time of obstruction and stay of the product in the digestive system, conditions and types of food. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent from the child’s parents was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.