Intestinal obstruction due to roundworms

Roundworms are the most common intestinal helminths responsible for small-bowel obstruction; 74 cases of intestinal obstruction due to ascariasis over 5 years are reviewed. Surgical intervention was necessary in 26 cases for relief of obstruction and included massaging of worms into the colon, enterotomy, resection and anastomosis, and bowel exteriorization. It is suggested that routine deworming of all patients attending pediatric surgical outpatient clinics should be done to prevent worm infestation and its complications. Surgery should be performed using nonabsorbable sutures for closure of enterotomies and for bowel anastomosis after resection.