Investigations

Investigations are directed by the history, and include:

• urea and electrolyte measurement are indicated if there has been prolonged vomiting, or if surgery is being considered
• plain abdominal radiology, which will reveal loops of distended bowel, double bubbles or intraluminal gas.
• ultrasound scan may help in the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis or abscesses, but is operator dependent
• barium enema may be used in meconium ileum or Hirschsprung's disease

Reference:

1. C A Hajivassiliou. Intestinal obstruction in neonatal/pediatric surgery. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2003 Nov;12(4):241-53.