Irish Journal of Medical Science

, Volume 180, Issue 2, pp 581–582 | Cite as

Stercoral perforation in a 17-year old

Case Report
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Introduction

Stercoral perforation is a rare cause of perforation. This is the first reported case where a partial eating disorder (ED) is the primary causative differential.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 17-year-old girl who presented to her local Emergency Department with a 24-h history of left-sided abdominal pain. She subsequently deteriorated and a computed tomography scan of her abdomen showed gross distension of the large bowel with a sigmoid perforation. She underwent total colectomy with end ileostomy. Histology reported stercoral perforation but normal bowel ganglia. While an inpatient she was reviewed by the Psychiatric team who were concerned she was suffering from a partial ED.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in optimally treating patients such as these. Aggressive medical management with involvement of a psychiatric team and dietetics addresses any underlying causative psychiatric issues and helps prevent recurrence.

Keywords

Stercoral perforation Eating disorder Psychiatry Surgery 
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Copyright information

© Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland 2009

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of General and Vascular SurgeryBeaumont HospitalDublin 9Ireland

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