title: Idiopathic megarectum complicating pregnancy: report of a case.
abstract: Pregnancy often exacerbates constipation in young women with chronic constipation syndromes. The presence of the fetus presents a challenge in both the diagnosis and treatment of these syndromes. This study was conducted to report a rare case of idiopathic megarectum complicating a pregnancy. An aggressive polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimen allowed the patient to carry the child to term and to have a normal vaginal delivery. Successful proctocolectomy was performed with coloanal anastomosis 3 months postpartum. The patient has been free of constipation for 18 months without the need for cathartics or laxatives. All efforts to avoid operative intervention should be made in constipated patients during pregnancy. This principle holds true even in the setting of dilated large bowel. Idiopathic megarectum and the management of constipation in pregnancy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Grossmann
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kaminski
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Amon
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Longo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003287:Contrast Media; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008531:Megacolon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate