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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:33
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Acute colonic obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy.
S Mac Giobuin1, D O Kavanagh, R Ryan
1Department of Surgery, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin. seaniemac@ireland.com
Irish Medical Journal
|May 2, 2009
Summary
Benign prostatic hypertrophy can unusually cause large bowel obstruction due to bladder distension compressing the colon. CT scans are highlighted as superior to contrast studies for diagnosing this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Urology
- Radiology
Background:
- Large bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency.
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a prevalent condition in older men.
- Colonic obstruction typically results from intrinsic or extrinsic colonic pathology.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old male presented with symptoms of colonic obstruction.
- Radiological imaging revealed sigmoid colon compression by a distended urinary bladder.
- The patient's presentation did not initially suggest a urological cause.
Findings:
- Chronic urinary retention secondary to BPH was identified as the cause of colonic obstruction.
- This represents an extremely rare etiology for large bowel obstruction.
- Computed Tomography (CT) demonstrated clear advantages over traditional contrast studies.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering uncommon causes of colonic obstruction.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic utility of CT scanning in complex cases.
- Suggests a need for integrated urological and gastrointestinal assessments in select patients.
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