Extrapelvic endometriosis complicated with colonic obstruction
Yu-Hung Lin1, Li-Jen Kuo, Ai-Ying Chuang
1Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|February 2, 2006
Summary
Intestinal endometriosis causing colonic obstruction is rare and difficult to distinguish from cancer pre-operatively. Surgical resection is necessary for diagnosis and symptom relief in these challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Gynecology
Background:
- Endometriosis, a gynecological condition, typically involves pelvic organs.
- Intestinal endometriosis is an uncommon manifestation, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Colonic obstruction due to endometriosis is rare but clinically significant.
Observation:
- A case of acute colonic obstruction caused by rectal endometriosis is presented.
- Pre-operative diagnosis was challenging, with imaging and biopsies inconclusive for malignancy.
- The patient underwent segmental resection with anastomosis for definitive treatment.
Findings:
- Rectal endometriosis can mimic colorectal malignancy on imaging and biopsy.
- Surgical intervention is often required to confirm the diagnosis and resolve obstruction.
- This case highlights the importance of considering endometriosis in the differential diagnosis of bowel obstruction.
Implications:
- Highlights the diagnostic difficulties in intestinal endometriosis.
- Emphasizes the role of surgery in managing obstructive intestinal endometriosis.
- Underscores the need for awareness among general surgeons and gastroenterologists regarding this condition.
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