Small bowel obstruction secondary to endometriosis in a 30-year-old nulliparous woman managed at a level-5 private hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

[Accepted Case Report]

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It is commonly seen in young women. Intestinal obstruction caused by endometriosis is rare. We present the case of a 30-year-old nulliparous woman who presented with generalized abdominal pain and vomiting. She was diagnosed with ileocecal and appendiceal obstruction due to a mass. A right hemicolectomy with ileocolic anastomosis was successfully performed. Histopathological examination confirmed endometrial tissue in the appendix and ileocecal wall. Endometriosis should be considered as a cause of bowel obstruction in pre-menopausal women. The management of intestinal endometriosis consists of hormonal therapy in uncomplicated cases and surgery in cases of bowel obstruction.