Stercoral perforation of the colon during pregnancy

A 39-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital for severe abdominal pain at 22 weeks and 2 days of gestation. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) suggested perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and emergency surgery was conducted. There was a fibrous adhesion between an enlarged uterus and the sigmoid colon. There was a 5.0-cm perforation near the adhesion in the posterior wall of the sigmoid colon. We performed a partial resection of the sigmoid colon and Hartmann's procedure with copious intraperitoneal lavage. Five hours following the laparotomy, uterine contractions could not be controlled and the patient delivered vaginally. The neonate died almost immediately after delivery. We conclude that although stercoral bowel perforation is rare, poor prognosis after perforation emphasizes the need to carry out a CT scan for patients who present with undiagnosed severe abdominal pain and compatible medical history, even if the patient is pregnant.     

Seudoobstrucción aguda del colon posterior a parto vaginal eutócico

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is a poorly understood syndrome, characterized by the signs, symptoms and radiological pattern of large bowel obstruction without evidence of mechanical obstruction. We report the case of a 37-year-old pregnant woman who developed progressive abdominal distention and abdominal pain after a eutocic delivery. Plain abdominal X-ray showed a markedly dilated large bowel. Mechanical colonic obstruction was excluded with hypaque enema. Surgical exploration confirmed dilatation of the sigmoid colon with perforation. Partial colon resection was performed.     

Recovery of the intrauterine contraceptive device from the sigmoid colon. Three case reports

3 cases of copper IUDs recovered during laparotomy from the sigmoid colon are presented. One woman was a 24-year old mother of 5 who had had 2 cesarean sections since the disappearance of her Cu-7 IUD in 1980. She had right upper quadrant abdominal pain for 1 year with gall bladder stones. The IUD was found lying 80% in the gut lumen. After colotomy she recovered. The 2nd woman was 31 years old, pregnant for the 4th time after failure of her IUD. She was experiencing a constant left iliac fossa ache. The IUD was shown to be extrauterine by ultrasound, could not be seen at laparoscopy, and was removed by colotomy. The 3rd woman was a 37-year old mother of 5, 19 weeks' pregnant, having a septic miscarriage on admission. She had labor induced, but the IUD was not expelled. Her pain worsened, and fever and tachycardia persisted. Emergency laparotomy revealed a perforated posterior uterine wall with the Cu-7 eroding the serosa of the sigmoid colon. It was removed but the defect was not repaired. She required a subtotal hysterectomy, and a second laparotomy with a temporary colostomy, and her recovery was complicated by pulmonary embolism and cardiac failure. These cases draw attention to the importance of proper management of patients with no visible IUD thread. Ultrasound, and if necessary x-rays and laparoscopy should precede laparotomy. Expulsion of an IUD is rarely unnoticed, nor should pregnancy with an IUD be assumed to be due to an expelled device.     

Combined laparoscopic-colonoscopic approach for the removal of a migrated intrauterine contraceptive device penetrating the sigmoid colon

Uterine perforation is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication associated with the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs). Following perforation, the IUD can migrate to the peritoneal cavity or even perforate several adjacent organs. Migration to the sigmoid colon is extremely rare. We present the case of a 28-year-old woman who had an IUD inserted soon after delivery. The patient again became pregnant, but no IUD could be detected in routine examinations. After an asymptomatic interval of 3 years, the patient suffered acute abdominal pain. Initial laparoscopy elsewhere revealed the IUD attached to the sigmoid colon, but extraction was not possible. The patient was referred to us for further treatment. Under general anesthesia, laparoscopic exploration of the abdomen was performed. The IUD had perforated the sigmoid colon and was firmly fixed. In order not to injure the sigmoid colon, laparoscopic mobilization of the IUD was assisted with a “rendez-vous” sigmoidoscopy. The IUD was removed transanally with laparoscopic and sigmoidoscopic assistance, and the patient was discharged within 24 h after the operation. Insertion of an IUD necessitates regular checks to confirm the device’s correct position. Migration of an IUD warrants prompt laparoscopic removal, even in asymptomatic patients.     

Tuboovarian sigmoid fistula after cesarean section. A case report

Tuboovarian sigmoid fistulae are rare complications of pelvic inflammatory disease. A 31-year-old woman had a severe post-cesarean-section infection that formed a tuboovarian abscess and ruptured into the sigmoid colon. The abscess and subsequent fistula led to persistent pain and purulent diarrhea. A salpingo-oophorectomy with closure of the colon was performed. The patient was still asymptomatic 20 months after the surgery.     

Rupture of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm in Pregnancy

EDITORIAL COMMENT: This case of ruptured splenic artery aneurysm had a fortunate outcome for mother and baby since Caesarean section was performed promptly, because of critical fetal condition, when acute abdominal pain was thought to be due to placental abruption. The Pfannenstiel incision was inappropriate but did not preclude successful management. We accepted this case report for publication to remind readers that this uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain has a predilection to occur during pregnancy and the puerperium — the condition should be considered in any pregnant woman who experiences acute abdominal pain and/or collapse when there is no revealed haemorrhage. This case seems to be another of live(s) saved by cardiotocography.     

Ovarian carcinoma complicated by sigmoid colon fistula formation: a case report and review of the literature

Formation of a fistula to a digestive organ is an extremely rare phenomenon in cases of ovarian carcinoma. We report a case of ovarian clear-cell carcinoma complicated by formation of a sigmoid colon fistula, and review the related literature. A 61-year-old woman, who had undergone hysterectomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy due to myoma and an ovarian tumor, developed bloody bowel discharge and abdominal distention. Computed tomography revealed a huge pelvic tumor with a thickened wall and internal gas. As the patient also had severe anemia and peritonitis, emergency laparotomy was performed, and intraoperatively it was noted that the tumor was tightly attached to the sigmoid colon, and contained bloody pus. Left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and pathological examination of the specimen revealed fistula formation between the ovarian tumor and the sigmoid colon. The tumor was diagnosed as left ovarian clear-cell carcinoma, but no diverticulum or direct tumor invasion was evident around the fistula. The patient was given chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, and she is now doing well after 9 months with no evidence of tumor recurrence. Although fistulation to the digestive tract is very rare in cases of ovarian cancer, it must be diagnosed and treated promptly because severe inflammation can make it potentially life-threatening.     

The combination of pregnancy and acute salpingitis in a case of uterus didelphys

A pregnant woman, with a uterus didelphys, developed abdominal pain. Laparotomy disclosed a severe infection of the tube of the non-pregnant horn. The diagnosis of acute salpingitis should be considered when a patient with a uterus didelphys develops unilateral abdominal pain. The present case seems to prove the blocking effect of an intrauterine pregnancy on an ascending infection.     

Sigmoid volvulus in children: report of two cases.

Volvulus of the sigmoid colon is rare in children. An early, accurate diagnosis can avoid unnecessary surgery and reduce the risk of complications. This condition is mainly due to a redundant sigmoid colon with a narrow mesosigmoid attachment. We describe two cases of sigmoid volvulus, which showed different clinical severities and were treated with different methods. Patient 1, a 9-year-old boy, presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. Patient 2, an 11-year-old boy, presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and bloody mucoid stool. Plain abdominal radiographs revealed a distended colonic loop extending upward from the pelvis in patient 1 and a typical "coffee bean" sign in patient 2. Barium enema examination was used to confirm the diagnosis in both cases. The volvulus was reduced by insertion of a rectal tube in patient 1 and surgically in patient 2. Sigmoid colon volvulus should be included in the differential diagnosis of childhood abdominal pain or distention. This report suggests that nonsurgical reduction should be attempted first for uncompromised sigmoid volvulus in children, unless bowel ischemia or perforation develops.     

Can you find the source of her pain?

BACKGROUND: The features of abdominal pain in this gravid patient mimicked more common diagnoses like preterm labor, chorioamnionitis, and appendicitis. CASE: A 40-year-old multipara presented at 30 weeks and 6 days with abdominal pain. The cause was not discovered until the time of cesarean delivery several days after admission. CONCLUSION: This common gynecologic problem can precipitate severe problems in a pregnant woman and should be considered part of the diagnosis in pregnant patients presenting with pain.     

IUD-associated ovarian actinomycosis causing bowel obstruction

This case report presents an unusual case of primary IUD-associated ovarian actinomycosis, which spread to the sigmoid causing intestinal obstruction. A 43-year-old gravida 3, para 2, had her 1st IUD from 1978-80 (Gyne-T) and her 2nd IUD from 1980 to October 1983 (Multiload). Right lower abdominal pain led to hospitalization in May 1983. A tender nodular mass was palpated in the left pelvic area. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of inflammation. Rapid improvement followed a course of laxatives and cephalosporin antibiotics, and the patient was discharged with the diagnosis of acute sigmoid diverticulitis. 2 months later, a double contrast examination of the large intestine was done and showed severe narrowing of the sigmoid colon over a distance of 12 cm and occasional sharp recesses. Colonoscopy showed a spastic stricture of the sigmoid with massive edema of the otherwise intact mucosa at 18 cm. Computer tomography of the abdomen showed a large, focally cystic infiltrative mass in the pelvis with congestion and displacement of both ureters as well as bilateral hydronephrosis, predominantly on the right side. The descending colon was congested. The patient was readmitted to hospital with the tentative diagnosis of ovarian cancer when her general condition deteriorated. She complained again of abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Pyrexia and the hematological findings suggested sepsis. The pelvis contained a predominantly leftsided nodular mass and a brown fetid discharge was coming through the cervix. The IUD was removed and treatment with ampicillin and clindamycin was started with rapid improvement in the patient's condition. Obstruction with extreme distention of the colon required emergency laparotomy. An inflammatory mass was found in the pelvis consisting of a right-sided ovarian tumor, bilateral hydrosalpinges, and a tightly encased sigmoid colon. The dilated caecum had a large necrotic area in its wall which necessitated caecostomy and double-current sigmoidostomy after subtotal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The patient made a good recovery. As recently as the 1950s, primary pelvic actinomycosis was a rarity. In the last 4 years alone, 20% of all reported cases of actinomycosis involved the female genital tract. The percentage of cases found among IUD users has been continuously increasing and in the last 2 years all published cases were IUD users. The presence of actinomyces in vaginal smears always is indicative of the presence of a foreign body, most commonly and IUD.     

Supernumerary ovary on sigmoid colon resembling an endometriotic lesion

A 30-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain had right-sided pain and sonographic evaluation demonstrated a right ovarian cyst 5 cm in diameter. Laparotomy revealed a right ovarian cystic mass and the cystic mass was found on the sigmoid colon. After excision, histopathologic study revealed endometrioma for the ovarian cyst and a supernumerary ovary for the cystic mass on the sigmoid colon.     

Successful Laparoscopic Management of Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum at 15 Weeks of Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of Literature

We present a case report of laparoscopic management of a spontaneous hemoperitoneum in the second trimester of pregnancy. The patient was a 40-year-old woman at 15 weeks of gestation. At laparoscopic surgery, the hemoperitoneum was evacuated, and the right-sided uterine vessels were closed with diathermocoagulation. Every pregnant woman with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and imminent hypovolemic shock should be carefully evaluated. After ruling out the most prevalent causes of hemoperitoneum, idiopathic spontaneous hemoperitoneum should be considered. Rapid diagnosis and aggressive fluid replacement together with prompt surgical intervention may be the only chance for a favorable outcome for both mother and child in the presence of such a rare complication. Moreover, in early stages of pregnancy, the laparoscopic approach should be considered but only in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons.     

Richter’s hernia occurring through a 5-mm laparoscopy sheath incision

We report a case of postoperative Richter’s hernia presenting through a 5-mm sheath incision. A 58-year-old woman having undergone laparoscopic hysterectomy 8 days before presented with severe left abdominal pain, nausea and light-headedness. The hypothesis of a sigmoid volvulus was suggested based on peroperative rectum and sigmoid release, the X-ray finding, and pain evolution. A secondary laparoscopic procedure allowed both diagnosis of a Richter’s hernia through a 5-mm sheath incision and surgical repair of the hernia. The use of this sheath during the laparoscopic vagina suture caused extension of the wound. Large 5-mm sheath defect sufficient for a Richter’s hernia can be created by multiple passes with small instruments and require surgical closure at the end of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is useful in cases of postoperative complications, particularly when other complementary examinations are less informative.     

Clear cell carcinoma arising in extraovarian endometriosis: report of three cases and review of the literature

The literature on malignancy arising in extraovarian endometriosis comprises only three cases of clear cell carcinoma. We wish to report the clinical features and pathologic findings of an additional three cases. The first concerns a 39-year-old oriental pregnant woman who presented with a large intraluminal obstructing lesion of the sigmoid colon, the second case deals with an abdominal wall mass that appeared in a cesarean section scar of a 45-year-old black woman, and the third case describes an ulcerating lesion of the perineum and the buttock in a 43-year-old white woman with a long history of endometriosis in an episiotomy scar. Our observations support the notion that clear cell carcinoma arising in extraovarian endometriosis behaves differently from its counterpart in ovarian endometriosis, but more in line with clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium.     

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (Isocolan) for constipation during pregnancy: an observational open-label study

To evaluate the efficacy of a polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-4000) in pregnant women affected by constipation, 40 consecutive pregnant women from 6 to 38 weeks' gestation were enrolled in this preliminary study. Constipation was defined as spontaneous evacuation less than four times a week or the presence of symptoms such as defecation pain, rectal urgency, tenesmus, anal injury, or abdominal pain. A PEG-4000 solution (Isocolan, also marketed in the United States as Golitely/Nulitely) was administered for 15 days at a dose of 250 mL by mouth once or twice a day. The number of bowel movements per week, the presence or absence of liquid stools, tenesmus, urgency, defecation pain, anal lesions, and abdominal pain were evaluated before and after 15 days of treatment. Treatment with PEG-4000 significantly increased the evacuation episodes per week (from 1.66 +/- 0.48 to 3.16 +/- 1.05; P <.01), and constipation was resolved in 27 of 37 women (73%). Defecation pain, anal injury, and abdominal pain significantly improved after PEG-4000 administration. Improvement occurred in both patients with new-onset constipation during pregnancy as well as patients with a history of constipation before pregnancy. These preliminary findings indicate that PEG-4000 may be an effective choice for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy.     

Transmural rectal endometriosis as a cause of chronic constipation. A case report and literature review

The incidence of intestinal endometriosis is reported between 5.3 and 12% of cases and of these, between 70 and 93% are located in the rectum and sigmoid. We report the case of a 32-year-old with constipation and bloating and cramping pain during the last 2 years. The pain increased in frequency during the past 6 months. From the data obtained from physical examination and imaging studies may be suspected pelvic endometriosis with infiltration of anterior rectal wall. Resection of the low anterior rectum with colo-rectal anastomosis was performed, with adequate surgical outcome and resolution of symptoms. In patients of childbearing age with abdominal or pelvic pain, constipation of recent onset or occlusive bowel, which may or may not be related to the menstrual cycle should be considered transmural infiltration by endometrial tissue.     

Acute urinary retention caused by a large peritoneal inclusion cyst: a case report

BACKGROUND: Pelvic masses have been known to cause bladder symptoms and compression. This is the first documented case of a large peritoneal inclusion cyst causing acute urinary retention from bladder outlet obstruction. CASE: A 36-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 2, presented to the gynecology clinic with an indwelling Foley catheter that was placed at an outside hospital secondary to acute urinary retention. Computed tomography, performed several days earlier for complaints of progressively worsening lower abdominal and pelvic pain, revealed a 10-cm, complex, cystic mass within the pelvis between the rectum and sigmoid colon, with anterior displacement of the bladder. The patient's past surgical history included a total abdominal hysterectomy as well as separate exploratory laparotomy for resection of a 20-cm peritoneal inclusion cyst and a prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Due to the acute urinary retention and worsening pain, the decision was made to proceed with laparoscopic removal and drainage of the mass, which turned out to be consistent with a recurrent peritoneal inclusion cyst. Symptom relief was immediate. CONCLUSION: A large, recurrent, peritoneal inclusion cyst obstructed the bladder neck and presented as acute urinary retention. Laparoscopy relieved the symptoms.     

Atypical sigmoid metastasis from a high-grade mixed adenocarcinoma of the ovary

BACKGROUND: Intraperitoneal seeding is the most common form of dissemination of epithelial ovarian cancer. Metastasis to the bowel mucosa can occur by invasion from the serosal surface or infiltration of the submucosal capillary network. Hematogenous dissemination usually occurs in the presence of advanced peritoneal disease. CASE: A 39-year-old gravida 3 para 2 woman was diagnosed in October 2000 with a large pelvic mass. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy and a left salpingo-oophorectomy with multiple abdominal and pelvic biopsies. She was diagnosed with an ovarian tumor of low malignant potential, and no further treatment was recommended. Six months later, she developed abdominal discomfort and constipation. A colonoscopy was performed, and a biopsy showed metastatic carcinoma of ovarian origin. The patient presented to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in September 2001 for consultation. The surgical pathology evaluation from her previous surgery indicated high-grade ovarian carcinoma. The patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, right salpingo-oophorectomy, infracolic omentectomy, right pelvic lymph node sampling, and segmental resection with primary end-to-end sigmoid colon anastomosis. The tumor within the colon was a polypoid mass arising from the mucosa with no involvement of the colonic wall. Microscopically, the tumor was a high-grade ovarian papillary serous carcinoma with areas of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The colonic tumor was immunohistochemically positive for cytokeratin-7 and negative for cytokeratin-20. The patient was treated with six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. The patient then incidentally developed disseminated sarcoidosis. At the time of this report, the patient had no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease for 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial ovarian carcinomas may recur as intraluminal bowel lesions with serosal sparing even in the absence of peritoneal disease. Immunohistochemical staining using cytokeratins-7 and -20 may prove useful in differentiating such lesions from primary colonic malignancies.     

Chemical peritonitis caused by an iatrogenic rupture of mature cystic teratoma of the ovary during labor: a report of a case didactic to all the maternity health care workers

A 37-year-old postpartum woman was presented with abdominal pain supposed to be caused by uterine involution or puerperal endometritis after vaginal delivery. During the pregnancy, she was suspected to have a subserosal myoma by ultrasound examination. The pain was finally revealed to be originated from the chemical peritonitis caused by the rupture of the mature cystic teratoma of the ovary by Kristeller's maneuver performed during vaginal delivery. When a pregnant or puerperal woman complains about abdominal pain, we need to consider the possibility of chemical peritonitis resulting from the rupture of mature cystic teratoma of the ovary.