Gestational intestinal obstruction: a case report and review of literature

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2006 Apr;274(1):60-2. doi: 10.1007/s00404-005-0097-8. Epub 2006 Jan 12.

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]. Abdominal pain is a common 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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Ileal Diseases / surgery
  • Intestinal Obstruction / complications
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnosis*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Intestinal Volvulus / complications
  • Intestinal Volvulus / diagnosis*
  • Intestinal Volvulus / surgery
  • Nausea / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery
  • Premature Birth
  • Vomiting / etiology