A Rare Case of Small Bowel Obstruction in Pregnancy Due to Adenocarcinoma

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) rarely occurs in pregnancy, primarily due to the adhesions resulting from previous abdominal surgery. However, malignancy causing SBO during pregnancy is exceedingly rare. We present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was recently diagnosed with small bowel disease at 19 weeks and two days of gestation and initially managed conservatively. Diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy and enterography magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were postponed due to her pregnancy. With recurrent episodes of worsening symptoms, the patient underwent multiple admissions, during which an abdominal X-ray was performed, revealing dilated loops of the small and large bowel, highly suggestive of SBO. Subsequently, a plain abdominal MRI revealed a stricture in the left lower quadrant, resulting in SBO. Given the absence of a fetal pulse, the patient underwent an emergency laparotomy. Surgical resection involving part of the mass in the terminal ileum was performed, followed by a primary side-to-side anastomosis. Histopathological examination of the resected tissue confirmed the presence of small bowel adenocarcinoma. The successful surgical resection and subsequent histopathological confirmation emphasized the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. This case underscores the challenges faced in diagnosing and managing small bowel obstruction during pregnancy, particularly when malignancy is the underlying cause. It highlights the need to balance diagnostic investigations with fetal safety. Multidisciplinary collaboration between obstetricians, surgeons, and radiologists is crucial in navigating the complexities of managing such cases and ensuring optimal outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.