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Vaginal pessary-induced mechanical bowel obstruction
R J Roberge1, C Keller, M Garfinkel
1Department of Emergency Medicine of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 12, 2001
Summary
An impacted vaginal pessary caused a rare mechanical bowel obstruction in an elderly woman. This case highlights the need for clinicians to consider pessary complications in older patients presenting with abdominal issues.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Pessary use is increasing in the growing elderly population.
- Vaginal pessaries are common devices for managing pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
Observation:
- A case report detailing a mechanical bowel obstruction.
- The obstruction was caused by an impacted vaginal pessary.
Findings:
- Impacted vaginal pessaries can lead to serious gastrointestinal complications.
- This complication, though rare, requires clinical awareness.
Implications:
- Clinicians should include vaginal pessary assessment in the differential diagnosis for abdominal complaints in elderly women.
- Increased awareness can prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment of pessary-related complications.
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