Abstract
Background. Intestinal obstruction in pregnancy is uncommon. The condition is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. The delay in diagnosis is due to nonspecific symptoms and a disinclination to carry out radiologic investigations in pregnancy. Case. A 39-year-old lady at 32 weeks of gestation presented with abdominal pain and nausea. Her symptoms worsened during admission. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed dilated small bowel loops suggestive of intestinal obstruction. She eventually underwent a laparotomy as conservative measures failed. Conclusion. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose intestinal obstruction in pregnancy. Prompt diagnosis should be made and the appropriate treatment instituted. Surgical intervention should be performed if necessary as further delay only results in increased morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
BackgroundThe condition is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality
The delay in diagnosis is due to nonspecific symptoms and a disinclination to carry out radiologic investigations in pregnancy
Adhesions are the commonest cause of Intestinal obstruction (IO) in pregnancy and account for more than half the causes found at laparotomy
Summary
The condition is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. The delay in diagnosis is due to nonspecific symptoms and a disinclination to carry out radiologic investigations in pregnancy. A 39-year-old lady at 32 weeks of gestation presented with abdominal pain and nausea. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed dilated small bowel loops suggestive of intestinal obstruction. She eventually underwent a laparotomy as conservative measures failed. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose intestinal obstruction in pregnancy. Surgical intervention should be performed if necessary as further delay only results in increased morbidity and mortality
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