# When Bowel Motility Goes Awry: Ogilvie’s Syndrome Following Relaparotomy for Intra-abdominal Bleeding After Caesarean Section

## TL;DR

A woman developed a rare intestinal condition after abdominal surgery for bleeding following a C-section, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the diagnostic challenge of Ogilvie’s syndrome after relaparotomy for intra-abdominal bleeding.

## Key findings

- Ogilvie’s syndrome can occur following relaparotomy for intra-abdominal bleeding after caesarean section.
- Early recognition is crucial to prevent complications like caecal perforation.

## Abstract

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie’s syndrome) is a rare but potentially life-threatening postoperative complication characterised by massive colonic dilatation without mechanical obstruction. We report the case of a 40-year-old woman who developed Ogilvie’s syndrome following relaparotomy for intra-abdominal bleeding after an elective caesarean section. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating Ogilvie’s syndrome from postoperative ileus and underscores the importance of early recognition to prevent serious complications such as caecal perforation.