title: Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction following cesarean delivery.
abstract: Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction remains an uncommon complication in obstetric practice, but when it occurs, it is most frequently noted after cesarean delivery. Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is characterized by the findings consistent with large bowel obstruction in the absence of a demonstrable mechanical cause as noted in this case report. We report the occurrence of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction post-cesarean delivery in which prompt recognition of impending cecal perforation allowed appropriate management by tube cecostomy. Although acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is uncommon, it is important that obstetric practitioners recognize this clinical entity as the potentially fatal consequences of cecal perforation can be prevented by tube cecostomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia.
authors.forename: Friedrich W J
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Busch
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hamdorf
authors.forename: C Shannon
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Everett F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Magann
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002431:Cecostomy; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003112:Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy