[Factors affecting mortality in acute mesenteric obstruction].

Background: Acute mesenteric obstruction (AMO) is usually fatal. This study was designed to demonstrate the demographic characteristics and prognostic factors of affected patients.

Methods: The patients admitted to our emergency department and diagnosed as having AMO between January 2000 and December 2004 were investigated retrospectively. Their demographic characteristics, laboratory results, per-operative findings and mortality were investigated retrospectively.

Results: Thirty patients (18 males, 12 females; mean age: 67 [26-92]) were evaluated. 43.3% of patients survived. Surviving patients had statistically significantly lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) but also higher pH and creatinine levels (p=0.0027, 0.0004, 0.02). Colonic involvement also increased mortality (p<0.001). Papaverine infusion, embolectomy and second-look operations had no effect on outcome.

Conclusion: Preoperatively increased liver enzymes, acidosis, and colonic involvement indicated poor prognosis. Papaverine infusion, embolectomy and second-look operations showed no advantages with respect to survival.