Stercoral perforation of the sigmoid colon in pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

A 39-year-old woman presented at 29 weeks and 4 days of gestation with abdominal pain and chronic constipation. The abdominopelvic magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging were not conclusive. Computed tomography showed evidence of bowel perforation. Surgical exploration demonstrated significant stool burden, purulent peritonitis, and frank perforation of the sigmoid colon. Hartmann's procedure was successfully performed, with no complications. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. She was induced at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia and had a vaginal delivery with no complications.

Keywords

• Stercoral perforation
• Constipation
• Pregnancy