Case Report of Ogilvie's Syndrome Following Emergency Haemostatic Subtotal Abdominal Hysterectomy at University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Rwanda

BACKGROUND: Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction or Ogilvie's syndrome is a rare condition that usually develops due to a dysregulated autonomic nervous system following a medical or surgical condition. With delayed diagnosis, it may lead to bowel ischemia and perforation with poor prognosis. CASE: We report a case of a 33 years old female, Gravida 1, Para1, who developed severe abdominal distension following abdominal haemostatic hysterectomy due to a severe postpartum haemorrhage and shock requiring epinephrine infusion after a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The postpartum haemorrhage was due to both atony and posterior cervical tear. Two initial administrations of neostigmine 2 mg mixed with atropine 0.5 mg were unsuccessful, but an insertion of a flexible recto-sigmoid cannula allowed a slight decompression. A subsequent third dose of neostigmine 2 mg mixed with atropine 0.5 mg was followed with a remarkable flatus evacuation and complete decompression. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis and management of Ogilvie's syndrome is crucial in order to avoid subsequent complications. In case of postoperative cecal and colonic distension without mechanical obstruction, Ogilvie's syndrome should be suspected as this will ensure timely and adequate management of patients at risk including obstetric patients.