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Gestational intestinal obstruction: a case report and review of literature

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Abstract

Intestinal obstruction in pregnancy is rare and difficult to diagnose. Common causes of gestational intestinal obstruction include adhesions, volvulus, intussuscetion, carcinoma, hernia and appendicitis [3]. Abdomial pain is a comman feature, but the displacement of abdominal organs as pregnancy progresses results in atypical location of the pain and hence delay in diagnosis. We report a case of intestinal obstruction at 33 weeks gestation in a woman with previous appendicectomy. Clinical suspicion of the presence of obstruction is required for prompt diagnosis and aggressive intervention, to minimise the morbidity and mortality of this rare complication of pregnancy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Assisted Conception Unit, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, Surrey, UK

    Emmanuel Kalu

  2. Assisted Conception Unit, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, Surrey, UK

    Elizabeth Sherriff

  3. Department of Surgery, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, SM5 1AA, Surrey, UK

    Mohamed Amer Alsibai & Mumtazuddin Haidar

Authors
  1. Emmanuel Kalu
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  2. Elizabeth Sherriff
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  3. Mohamed Amer Alsibai
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  4. Mumtazuddin Haidar
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Correspondence to Emmanuel Kalu.

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Kalu, E., Sherriff, E., Alsibai, M.A. et al. Gestational intestinal obstruction: a case report and review of literature. Arch Gynecol Obstet 274, 60–62 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-005-0097-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-005-0097-8

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