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[Acute intestinal obstruction in an elderly patient]
H Linthoudt1, L Filez, W Pelemans
1Dienst Inwendige Geneeskunde, Afdeling Geriatrie, Universitaire Ziekenhuizen K.U. Leuven.
Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Diagnosing acute abdomen in the elderly is challenging. This case highlights that bilateral ovarian cyst torsion can cause intestinal obstruction in older adults, necessitating prompt surgical intervention to reduce mortality.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Acute abdomen diagnosis in the elderly presents unique challenges due to atypical symptom presentation.
- Intestinal obstruction is significantly more prevalent in elderly patients compared to younger individuals.
Observation:
- A 90-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of intestinal obstruction.
- The obstruction was found to be caused by bilateral torsion of benign ovarian cysts.
Findings:
- Bilateral ovarian cyst torsion is an uncommon but critical cause of intestinal obstruction in the aged.
- Prompt surgical intervention in elderly patients with acute abdominal conditions can be life-saving.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering gynecologic emergencies in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in elderly women.
- Timely surgical management is crucial for improving outcomes and reducing mortality in very elderly patients with acute intestinal obstruction.