Abstract
IntroductionAcute pseudo-obstruction of the large bowel following normal vaginal delivery is an extremely rare complication of normal vaginal delivery. It can be fatal if not recognized early. Only one previous report has been found in the English literature.Case presentationA 36-year old Caucasian, normally fit woman presented with abdominal distension and vomiting five days post-normal vaginal delivery at term. Localised peritonitis in the right iliac fossa developed in the next few days, and caecal perforation was found at laparotomy, without evidence of appendicitis or colitis.ConclusionAlthough very rare, Ogilvie's syndrome should be considered by obstetricians, general surgeons and general practitioners as a potential cause of vomiting and abdominal pain following normal vaginal delivery. Early recognition and management are essential to minimize the possibility of developing serious complications.
Highlights
Acute pseudo-obstruction of the large bowel following normal vaginal delivery is an extremely rare complication of normal vaginal delivery
Conclusion: very rare, Ogilvie's syndrome should be considered by obstetricians, general surgeons and general practitioners as a potential cause of vomiting and abdominal pain following normal vaginal delivery
Several cases of colonic perforation secondary to Ogilvie's syndrome have been reported following Caesarian section, but only one report in the English literature was found at the time of writing that has described the condition post-normal vaginal delivery [3]
Summary
Ogilvie's syndrome following normal vaginal delivery in pregnant women is an extremely rare but serious condition requiring early recognition and treatment to prevent potentially fatal complications. Obstetricians and surgeons must be aware of the non-specific presenting features and exercise a high index of suspicion of otherwise unexplained abdominal distension in the post-partum period. Consent Written consent was obtained from our patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors' contributions DC and MS identified the case and gathered research in the form of literature reviews. DC gathered the investigation results including the figures used in the manuscript. DC wrote the final report, which was read and approved by MS
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