Ogilvie's syndrome-related right colon perforation after cesarean section: a case series

Colostomy as a definitive treatment in an ALS patient with acute colonic Pseudo-obstruction refractory to medical management, a case report

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease, and ALS patients may experience disturbed gastrointestinal motility often resulting in acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO). There is currently a paucity in the literature to guide the treatment of patients with both ALS and ACPO.

Case presentation

Here we describe a 39-year-old male patient with advanced ALS who developed ACPO. His condition was refractory to both medical and procedural managements including polyethylene glycol, senna, and docusate suppository, metoclopramide, linaclotide, erythromycin, prucalopride, neostigmine, and repeated colonoscopies. He ultimately underwent successful colostomy for palliation. Here we report the peri-operative multidisciplinary approach taken with this case, the surgical procedures, the potential risks, and the outcome.

Conclusion

The patient is delighted with the result and requested publication of this case to raise awareness of constipation in ALS patients and promote the consideration of colostomy as a treatment option for patients with ileus resistant to conservative management. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary team approach is required to properly assess the risks and benefits to achieve good clinical outcomes.

Ogilvie's syndrome after an emergency caesarean section: A case report

Ogilvie's syndrome, or acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, is a rare presentation occasionally observed postpartum, particularly following caesarean sections. Challenges in diagnosis often lead to delays in initiation of treatment, which significantly increases complications, including caecal ischaemia, perforation, sepsis and death. This case report describes the development of Ogilvie's syndrome within 24 h of an emergency caesarean section which was promptly recognised and confirmed by computed tomography, which demonstrated caecal dilatation of 9.7 cm without evidence of mechanical obstruction. An elevated level of C-reactive protein of 320 mg/L raised early clinical suspicion of caecal ischaemia, and this was managed endoscopically. Fortunately, the patient did not have any significant complications despite the high morbidity and mortality rate associated with Ogilvie's syndrome, highlighting the importance of clinician awareness and early initiation of management.

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Ogilvie’s syndrome must be a differential considered for a postpartum woman with abdominal pain, particularly following a caesarean section.

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Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from Ogilvie's syndrome.

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Increasing caesarean section rates globally is likely to result in increasing presentations of Ogilvie's syndrome.

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Management of Ogilvie's syndrome requires early multidisciplinary involvement.

Iatrogenic caecal perforation two days after a caesarean section, a case report

INTRODUCTION

and importance: The caesarean section is a widely spread procedure and 29.7 million times performed every year inn 169 countries in the world. Overall, complications are seen in 6% for elective caesarean to 15% for emergency caesarean.

CASE PRESENTATION

We here report a case which was initially diagnosed as a postoperative paralytic ileus. After a complicated caesarean section caused by bleeding and problems with haemostasis, a healthy child was born with full mother recovery for the first 24 hours after surgery. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated between 24 and 48 hours and she reported progressive nausea and painful bloating. Laboratory tests and CT imaging showed progressive signs of inflammation and distention of the caecum and colon. A second CT scan the next day revealed signs of perforation. An ileocecal resection was performed with a primary anastomosis. Full recovery occurred two weeks later.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

With an estimated incidence of only 0,08%, bowel perforations due to caesarean section, are rare. Moreover, is the clinical presentation diverse and computed topography is essential during the diagnostic process. To avoid potential morbidity and mortality, the surgeon must consider performing a laparotomy in case of a deteriorating patient in non-invasive treatment fails.

CONCLUSION

Caecal perforation must be considered as complication after a caesarean section. An ileocecal resection is necessary in this situation. This case report shows that a primary anastomosis is a possible option in a healthy patient that is hemodynamically stable during the operation. In case of an unhealthy or hemodynamic unstable patient, the safest option is a temporary ileostomy.

Ogilvie's Syndrome after Cesarean Section: Case Report in Saudi Arabia and Management Approach

Background

Acute colonic pseudoobstruction or Ogilvie's syndrome is a rare entity that is characterized by acute dilatation of the colon without any mechanical obstruction. It is usually associated with medical disease or surgery and rarely occurs spontaneously. If not diagnosed early, Ogilvie's syndrome may cause bowel ischemia and perforation.

Case

A G7P4+2, 40-year-old woman, who is a known case of gestational diabetes mellitus during her current pregnancy, four previous cesarean sections, two early pregnancy losses at six-week gestation, and hypothyroidism, underwent uncomplicated elective cesarean section, after which she complained of abdominal distention.

Conclusion

Ogilvie's syndrome is a rare condition yet of interest to obstetricians, midwifery staff, and general surgeons because its early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the keystones to avoid any subsequent fatal complications. This case report reviews the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and management of Ogilvie's syndrome. Moreover, we suggest a management approach to help in early diagnosis and prompt management to improve the outcome of this potentially serious condition.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: A systematic review of aetiology and mechanisms

AIM

To critically review the literature addressing the definition, epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO).

METHODS

A systematic search was performed to identify articles investigating the aetiology and pathophysiology of ACPO. A narrative synthesis of the evidence was undertaken.

RESULTS

No consistent approach to the definition or reporting of ACPO has been developed, which has led to overlapping investigation with other conditions. A vast array of risk factors has been identified, supporting a multifactorial aetiology. The pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, but are likely related to altered autonomic regulation of colonic motility, in the setting of other predisposing factors.

CONCLUSION

Future research should aim to establish a clear and consistent definition of ACPO, and elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to altered colonic function. An improved understanding of the aetiology of ACPO may facilitate the development of targeted strategies for its prevention and treatment.