INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN PREGNANCY OFTEN DIAGNOSTIC DILEMMA-A CASE REPORT

Intestinal obstruction in pregnancy is uncommon. The condition is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. The delay in diagnosis is due to nonspecific symptoms. Case report A 26-year-old G3P1L1A1 with previous caesarean section admitted at 32 weeks of gestation with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Diagnosed as acute severe gastritis and treated symptomatically and discharged. Pt was readmitted two weeks later with same complaints. Her symptoms worsened after admission. USG and MRI scans showed dilated small bowel loops suggestive of sub acute intestinal obstruction. She eventually underwent laparotomy as conservative measures failed. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose intestinal obstruction in pregnancy. Prompt diagnosis should be made and the appropriate treatment instituted. Surgical intervention should be performed if necessary as further delay results in increased morbidity and mortality