Large bowel obstruction as a rare complication of a uterine leiomyoma

Bowel obstruction occurs when the normal flow of intraluminal contents is interrupted. Large bowel obstruction secondary to mechanical compression from a uterine leiomyoma is a rare complication that can present significant management challenges, especially in the postpartum period.

We present the case of a woman in her early 40s with a large uterine fibroid, who underwent a lower segment caesarean section and developed a bowel obstruction in the immediate postpartum period. Although extremely rare, it is important that clinicians be aware that large bowel obstructions in the immediate postpartum period can be a complication of uterine leiomyomas.