Diagnoses prior to identification of correct diagnosis
| Initial diagnosis | Number (%) of patients |
| Mechanical bowel obstruction | 9 (45) |
| Constipation | 4 (20) |
| Idiopathic megarectum or megacolon and constipation | 3 (15) |
| Sigmoid volvulus | 1 (5) |
| Pseudo-obstruction | 1 (5) |
| Vesico-ureteric distension and acute renal failure | 1 (5) |
| Abdominal migraine/periodic syndrome | 1 (5) |