title: Stercoral Perforation of the Colon during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
abstract: Stercoral perforation of the colon, though rare, is associated with high mortality. Review of the literature identified only three prior cases reported during pregnancy. We report a case on a multiparous female presenting at 31 weeks of gestation with acute abdominal pain. Computed tomography suggested a sigmoid colon perforation. An urgent exploratory laparotomy was performed where feculent peritonitis and a stercoral perforation of the sigmoid colon was confirmed. A cesarean delivery and sigmoid colectomy with descending end colostomy was performed. While the newborn had an uncomplicated course, the mother developed an intra-abdominal abscess requiring operative management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Anthony B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Costales
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Amit K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.affiliation: Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Suneet P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Chauhan
authors.affiliation: Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Jerrie S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Refuerzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Ethan A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Taub
keywords: colonic perforation; pregnancy; stercoral perforation