Small bowel obstruction due to an endometriotic ileal stricture with associated appendiceal endometriosis: A case report and systematic review of the literature

Abstract

HighlightsIleal endometriosis is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction.It must be considered in women in the reproductive age group with progression of cyclical symptoms of abdominal pain.Appendiceal endometriosis is a very rare entity.Preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to clinical and radiological similarities to other infective/inflammatory bowel disorders.

Ileal obstruction caused by transmural endometriosis in a patient with simultaneous C. difficile colitis and Influenza AH1N1. Case report

“…Ileal obstruction caused by endometriosis is diagnosed incidentally [ 10 ]. Luminal stenosis is usually located within 10 cm from the ileocecal valve [ 11 ].…”

Endometriosis of the appendix causing small bowel obstruction in a virgin abdomen

“…The pathophysiology of endometriosis remains unclear, with a variety of genetic and environmental factors thought to contribute. There appears to be three main theories: (1) retrograde menstruation causing implantation and growth of endometrial cells in the surrounding organs; (2) metaplastic transformation of pleuripotent peritoneal mesothelium; and (3) endometrial lesions that infiltrate the large bowel along the nerves distant from the primary lesion 10–12. Gastrointestinal endometriosis generally tends to only affect the bowel serosa, appearing macroscopically as ‘grey glistening in appearance’ 5 7 11.…”

“…The serosa of the two distal segments were laparoscopically dissected free of endometriosis 3. There have been other reports of small bowel obstruction due to endometriotic ileal stricture requiring operative management 6 10. Interestingly but unrelated to the index patients’ presentation, there have been few reports of intussusception of the vermiform appendix secondary to appendiceal endometriosis 18 19.…”

Ileocecal Obstruction Due to Endometriosis – A Case Report and Literature Review

“…However, these therapies can be proposed only in cases presenting non-complicated lesions (20). All the other cases presenting after the apparition of certain complications or who do not report a favorable response to these therapies, should be submitted to surgery.…”