Abstract
IntroductionSigmoid volvulus in pregnancy is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and managed early.Case presentationA 29-year-old female (Chagga by tribe) presented with clinical features of intestinal obstruction 24 weeks into her second pregnancy. She had symptoms for one week. An emergency laparotomy was performed whereby gangrenous sigmoid volvulus was found; thus, it was resected and Hartmann’s colostomy was raised. Unfortunately, she experienced intrauterine fetal death post-operatively. She was discharged clinically stable.ConclusionEarly diagnosis and management can prevent adverse effects such as bowel ischemia and preterm labor. Because classic clinical and radiological features may not be evident, high degree of suspicion is warranted.
Highlights
Sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and managed early.Case presentation: A 29-year-old female (Chagga by tribe) presented with clinical features of intestinal obstruction 24 weeks into her second pregnancy
Sigmoid volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in pregnancy, with incidence ranging from 1 in 1500 to 1 in 66,431 deliveries [1]
We present a young female who, in her second trimester, presented with intestinal obstruction (IO) that was found to be caused by sigmoid volvulus intraoperatively
Summary
Sigmoid volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in pregnancy, with incidence ranging from 1 in 1500 to 1 in 66,431 deliveries [1]. Upon examination, she was ill looking, conscious, alert, mildly pale, and dehydrated, with a temperature of 38 °C and a nasogastric tube (NGT) in situ draining fecal content. She was ill looking, conscious, alert, mildly pale, and dehydrated, with a temperature of 38 °C and a nasogastric tube (NGT) in situ draining fecal content Her blood pressure (BP) was 112/81 mmHg, pulse 136 beats per minute, and saturation 96% on room air. Abdominal X-ray was done that was suggestive of intestinal obstruction with a differential of perforated hollow viscus (Fig. 1) She was kept nil orally and on intravenous fluids for resuscitation. On day 7 postoperatively, she continued to do well clinically with a functioning colostomy and was discharged home
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