Successful laparoscopic treatment of small-bowel obstruction in early pregnancy

Abstract

Small-bowel obstruction (SBO) during pregnancy is uncommon and can be difficult to diagnose. Therefore, the condition is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. We report a case of successful laparoscopic treatment of SBO in early pregnancy. A 37-year-old woman presented with diffuse abdominal pain and vomiting at 8 weeks of gestation. She had a history of abdominal surgery. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed by a gastrointestinal surgeon because SBO, and specifically strangulated ileus, was strongly suspected. On entry into the abdomen, dilated small bowel was visible in the pelvis; this was attached to the pelvic wall and twisted near the right adnexa. The small bowel initially appeared dark and congested, but after releasing the adhesions, it regained its normal color, was viable, and peristalsis was observed. Therefore, bowel resection was not required. No recurrence was observed after food ingestion, and the patient was discharged 12 days after surgery.

A Safe Laparoscopic Approach for Ovarian Tumors during Pregnancy

“…[ 27 28 ] Previous reports on laparoscopy during pregnancy have shown that laparoscopy can be performed safely. [ 29 30 ]…”

Laparoscopic Large Dermoid Cystectomy in Pregnancy

“…It is well tolerated by both the mother and the fetus, with only minor side effects observed during all three trimesters. [ 4 ] It also lowers uterine irritation and intraoperative uterine manipulation, both of which can result in miscarriages and preterm labor. Therefore, laparoscopy should be considered a safe method for dermoid cystectomy during the second trimester of pregnancy.…”

Revisión de los protocolos sobre abdomen agudo quirúrgico no obstétrico en el embarazo.

“…En el embarazo, la presentación de pancreatitis aguda presenta una incidencia baja de 1 por cada 10 000 embarazos, y es más frecuente en el tercer trimestre. Se ha descrito como una patología que en el embarazo puede progresar a formas graves y falla multiorgánica (43).…”

“…La morbimortalidad materna por pancreatitis aguda es menor al 1%, cuando esta se presenta suele asociarse a parto prematuro en el 20% de los casos (43).…”