# Spontaneous Cecal Perforation During Pregnancy

## TL;DR

A pregnant woman experienced a rare cecal perforation, requiring emergency surgery, and later delivered a healthy baby.

## Contribution

This paper presents a rare case of spontaneous cecal perforation during pregnancy and emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis.

## Key findings

- The patient required emergency surgery to repair a 1.2 x 0.8 cm cecal perforation.
- The patient recovered well and delivered a healthy baby at full term.
- The case underscores the importance of considering rare causes of abdominal pain in pregnant women.

## Abstract

Spontaneous perforation of the colon is a rare disease defined as sudden perforation of a healthy colon without evidence of trauma or disease. These perforations are typically classified as either stercoral or idiopathic. Cecal perforation during pregnancy is an uncommon and potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt recognition and surgical intervention.

We present a case of a 33-year-old woman at 29 weeks and three days gestation presenting with spontaneous cecal perforation. She presented to the emergency department with diffuse abdominal pain and distention lasting for three days, associated with nausea and vomiting. Following evaluation, she was diagnosed with diffuse peritonitis. The diagnosis of this condition relies on both the clinical presentation and the utilization of radiographic imaging.

The patient underwent an emergent explorative laparotomy with prompt surgical intervention to repair the 1.2 x 0.8 cm perforation found on her distended cecum. The surgical repair consisted of the excision of the edges and the primary suture of the perforation with an omental patch. Her post-procedure course was uneventful, and she later delivered a healthy baby at full term. This case highlights the importance of considering uncommon causes of acute abdominal pain in pregnant women to ensure timely diagnosis and management.