Ascaris lumbricoides causing intestinal obstruction in children — a review of 33 cases

Intestinal obstruction in children due to Ascaris lumbricoides is a not uncommon entity in developing countries of Asia and Africa and more so in children of low socioeconomic status. It may produce either subacute or acute obstruction. Thirty-three children with intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides were seen in a period of 2.5 years (January 1984–July 1986) in the Children's Hospital Division of Paediatric Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. The clinical presentation, complications, and management are discussed in the light of pertinent literature.Offprint requests to: A. N. Gangopadhyay