A Case of Large Bowel Obstruction- An Unusual Cause in a Middle Aged Female

Abstract

Endometriosis is a disease seen among women in reproductive age group. It is characterised by deposition of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It commonly involves the pelvic organs like ovary, fallopian tube and pelvic ligaments. Involvement of gastrointestinal tract by endometriosis is uncommon and the incidence varies widely among different studies. Colonic endometriosis can be confused as malignancy both clinically and radiologically. In these instances, histopathology is essential for a correct diagnosis. Here, the authors report a case of colonic endometriosis presenting with features of large bowel obstruction in a 49-yearold female with previous history of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Radiological scanning of abdomen and colonoscopic examination were suspicious of sigmoid malignancy. Although colonic biopsy was inconclusive and tumour markers were normal, she underwent sigmoidectomy with lymphnode clearance as per oncological principles with primary anastomosis. Her final histopathological examination revealed features of colonic endometriosis without any evidence of malignancy. Detailed evaluation of the patient didn’t reveal endometriosis at any other site. Patient was discharged after full surgical recovery and was doing well till the last follow-up.

Keywords

• colonic endometriosis
• colonoscopy
• histopathology