Bowel obstruction due to the tightening of a loose bowel adhesion with uterus enlargement during pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction. Acute intestinal obstruction during pregnancy is a rare digestive surgical emergency. Generally, it is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. The diagnosis is difficult, often delaying the therapeutic management. It is reported an exceptional association of acute intestinal obstruction due to a band adhesion that is put into tension as the uterus enlarges. Case Report. A 35 years old Caucasian pregnant woman with a past medical history of appendectomy was examined and found with abdominal pain, severe vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The patient underwent surgery. Per operatively, the obstruction was caused by an adhesion put into tension by the enlargement of the uterus. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on day 2. Conclusions. The etiological diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction during pregnancy is difficult. Surgery is the cornerstone of the treatment and the management varies depending on the intraoperative findings and the condition of the patient.