Sigmoid colon endometriosis as an uncommon cause of large bowel obstruction: A case report

Omar Al Ayoubi, Mohammad Alaa Aldakak, Nizar Alabdullah, Faten Alabdullah, A. Alasfar, Ayman Alasfar
International journal of surgery case reports · 2025 · vol. 135(C) , pp. 111927 · doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.111927 · PMID:40945284 · PMC12496491 · W4414112021
case-report OA: gold CC0 ⤵ 1 in-corpus citation
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This report details a 51-year-old female with sigmoid colon endometriosis causing large bowel obstruction, diagnosed after surgical resection and confirmed by histopathology.

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Large bowel obstruction (LBO) is most commonly caused by neoplasms, but rare etiologies like endometriosis should be considered, as bowel involvement can mimic other gastrointestinal disorders and lead to obstruction. Sigmoid endometriosis is a rare but important cause of LBO, which can lead to symptoms ranging from subtle gastrointestinal complaints to overt obstruction. Laparoscopy is the primary diagnostic tool, and surgery is often part of the treatment when obstruction occurs. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 51-year-old Arab female with a history of ulcerative colitis and chronic abdominal symptoms, who presented with progressive distension and intermittent constipation. Colonoscopy revealed a non-passable sigmoid stricture. Surgical resection was performed, and histopathology showed benign endometrial tissue in the colonic wall, confirming sigmoid endometriosis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can involve various intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal sites, with intestinal involvement reported in up to 37 % of cases-most commonly in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Gastrointestinal symptoms are often nonspecific and may mimic irritable bowel syndrome, making diagnosis challenging. Imaging modalities often lack specificity, while laparoscopy remains the gold standard. In this case, the diagnosis was only confirmed after surgical resection and histopathological analysis. Although medical therapy can be effective in symptom control, surgical excision becomes necessary when obstructive symptoms are present, as seen in our patient. CONCLUSION: This case underscores sigmoid colon endometriosis as an uncommon yet significant cause of large bowel obstruction. Awareness of such rare presentations is essential for timely diagnosis and management.

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Condition tags

endometriosisirritable_bowel_syndrome

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