Acute small bowel obstruction secondary to ileal endometriosis: report of a case

Surg Today. 2003;33(12):944-7. doi: 10.1007/s00595-003-2613-4.

Abstract

We report a case of acute small bowel obstruction occurring secondary to endometriosis of the terminal ileum. Ileal endometriosis is a rare condition that can cause acute small bowel obstruction. As this case and others in the literature highlight, establishing a preoperative diagnosis is very difficult due to the vagueness of symptoms and similarity in presentation to other causes of obstruction, and is based on a high index of suspicion. However, this disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women of child-bearing age who present with symptoms of obstruction. The definitive treatment includes resection of the involved segment with primary anastomosis, and adjuvant hormonal therapy may prevent recurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endometriosis / complications*
  • Endometriosis / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileum / pathology*
  • Ileum / surgery
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery