Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the wire-exchange technique to place a long tube into the small bowel under fluoroscopic guidance and to evaluate the decompression effect on early postoperative small bowel obstruction（EPSBO）.

Methods

Forty-two patients with EPSBO requiring decompression were enrolled in the study.Insertion of a long tube was guided by fluoroscopy.We first used the guide wire to pass the pylorus and then used the 10 F feeding tube as an exchangeable tube to put the superstiff wire.Finally the long tube could be passed over the guide wire through the pylorus into the intestine.The total procedure time，the radiation exposure time，and the rate of complications were evaluated.

Results

The long tubes passed into the jejunum on initial insertion for all patients，so the technique success rate was 100%.The mean total procedure time was（24.4±6.6）min，and the mean radiation exposure time（15.0±5.8）min.No major complications occurred.A total of 36 patients（86%）experienced full recovery following long-tube decompression and without the need for surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Using the wire-exchange technique is easily to place a long tube into the small bowel under fluoroscopic guidance and the decompression is safe and effective for management of EPSBO.

Key words: Postoperative small bowel obstruction, Wire-exchange technique, Small bowel decompression tube