Small bowel obstruction in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is an unusual complication of pregnancy. Our objective was to review our experience at two urban hospitals.

METHODS: To this end, we conducted a retrospective chart review of all pregnant patients with a discharge diagnosis of intestinal obstruction at Grace Hospital, Detroit, MI (January 1, 1972 to January 1, 1992) and Hutzel Hospital, Detroit, MI (January 1, 1977 to January 1, 1992).

RESULTS: During the study period, nine cases of SBO were identified and 150,386 deliveries occurred (one case per 16,709 deliveries). Patients' ages ranged from 16 to 37 yr. There were six primiparas. Cases of SBO by trimester: four in second, four in third, and one in puerperium. Previous abdominal surgery was documented in eight patients. Duration of symptoms before admission ranged from 3 h to 3 days. Primary symptoms were abdominal pain (89%), vomiting (89%), and obstipation (80%). At admission, only one patient was febrile, and four had hypoactive bowel sounds. Abdominal x-rays were compatible with SBO in seven patients. Ultrasound identified SBO in one of four cases. Patients were hospitalized 6 h to 23 days before surgery. The admission diagnosis was incorrect in four cases. One patient was treated conservatively and, at 36 wk, vaginally delivered a healthy infant. The eight surgical patients had lysis of adhesions, with one requiring resection of gangrenous small bowel. There were three fetal deaths (at 22, 24, and 30 wk of gestation). No maternal deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION: SBO is a rare, but often catastrophic, complication during pregnancy and the puerperium. Clinical suspicion is critical and should be increased in a patient with an abdominal scar. If suspected, prompt abdominal x-rays, ultrasound, and surgical consultation are warranted.