Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report

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...

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Main Authors: Shakina Rauff, Stephen Kin Yong Chang, Eng Kien Tan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2013-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/564838
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author Shakina Rauff
Stephen Kin Yong Chang
Eng Kien Tan
author_facet Shakina Rauff
Stephen Kin Yong Chang
Eng Kien Tan
author_sort Shakina Rauff
collection DOAJ
description 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.
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series Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
spelling doaj-art-a542e013605c47dab82c635f6c6a3b362025-08-20T03:38:12ZengWileyCase Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology2090-66842090-66922013-01-01201310.1155/2013/564838564838Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case ReportShakina Rauff0Stephen Kin Yong Chang1Eng Kien Tan2Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119074, SingaporeDivision of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Liver Transplant Programme, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, 119074, SingaporeDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119074, SingaporeBackground. 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.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/564838
spellingShingle Shakina Rauff
Stephen Kin Yong Chang
Eng Kien Tan
Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
title Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report
title_full Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report
title_fullStr Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report
title_full_unstemmed Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report
title_short Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Case Report
title_sort intestinal obstruction in pregnancy a case report
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/564838
work_keys_str_mv AT shakinarauff intestinalobstructioninpregnancyacasereport
AT stephenkinyongchang intestinalobstructioninpregnancyacasereport
AT engkientan intestinalobstructioninpregnancyacasereport