HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by BECK, W. W. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by BECK, W. W., Jr.

Intestinal Obstruction in Pregnancy

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Although it rarely occurs, intestinal obstruction in pregnancy is a serious situation with significant fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is difficult because the signs and symptoms of obstruction are similar to those commonly associated with pregnancy. Frequently associated with obstruction in pregnancy is a history of previous abdominal surgery. Two cases are presented in which previous surgery was directly responsible in the etiology of the obstruction. In both cases, failure to appreciate the significance of the abdominal scar delayed definitive diagnosis. The etiology and pathophysiology of intestinal obstruction in pregnancy are discussed. The index of suspicion should be high when classic symptoms of obstruction occur after the first trimester and there is a history of previous abdominal surgery.