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Ischaemic bowel perforation secondary to a gravid uterus in a patient with treated inflammatory bowel disease and an ileoanal pouch: a case report

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: The diagnosis of visceral perforation during pregnancy is often delayed and the management complex. A 32-year-old primigravid woman in her second trimester presented with abdominal pain and a pre-existing ileoanal pouch. Initial imaging was negative but later imaging was suggestive of serious pathology. At laparotomy, a caesarean section was performed. Peritonitis was encountered secondary to two discrete perforations in the small bowel separate from her pouch. Histology found an ischaemic perforation secondary to a pressure effect from the gravid uterus. In pregnancy, ileoanal pouches may make the interconnected bowel vulnerable to the pressure effect of the gravid uterus and perforation. Pregnant women with such a surgical history who develop symptoms suggestive of bowel perforation should have rapid imaging and their clinical team should consider early definitive surgical intervention.

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England

DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.7143