Impingement by a polymyomatous uterus: a rare cause of large bowel obstruction

Abstract

A primiparous female developed acute large bowel obstruction Day 1 post lower segment Caesarean section. Initially presumed to be post-operative ileus, increasing abdominal pain and distension over the next 24 h prompted a surgical consult. Computed tomography imaging demonstrated an abrupt transition point of the large bowel behind a polymyomatous uterus. Although this case resolved with vigorous patient mobilization, literature review reveals previous cases resolving only after intraoperative mobilization of the uterus. It is distinct from ileus as bowel sounds are present, onset is abrupt, progression is rapid and mobilization of the uterus causes immediate resolution. This condition is likely to be more common than the literature would suggest, its scarcity partially due to the reluctance to image young females especially during pregnancy.