Hydrocolpos causing bowel obstruction in a preterm newborn: a case report

Authors

JOUZA Martin REJDOVÁ Ingrid CINTULA Lukáš JOUZOVÁ Anna JABANDŽIEV Petr

Year of publication 2024
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Medicine

Citation
web https://mhnpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40748-024-00179-3
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40748-024-00179-3
Keywords Hydrocolpos; Bowel obstruction; Preterm neonate; Imperforate hymen
Description Background Imperforate hymen is the most common congenital defect of the female urogenital tract. The spectrum of clinical manifestations is broad, ranging from mild cases undiagnosed until adolescence to severe cases of giant intraabdominal masses. The most common complication of hydrocolpos is bladder compression, resulting in obstructive uropathy and hydronephrosis. Case presentation We present here the case of a preterm neonate who was admitted to the surgical neonatal intensive care unit for bowel obstruction. The baby did not appear septic or unwell, a small amount of meconium passed frequently, and no bilious gastric residuals occurred. Based on these findings, acute abdominal obstruction was doubtful, and the surgeon chose a conservative (watch and wait) approach. Subsequently, we performed abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging based on unclear information about a suspicious abdominal mass raised by the gynecologist shortly before the emergency C-section. The final diagnosis was congenital hydrocolpos due to imperforate hymen. The pediatric gynecologist indicated an incision of the imperforate hymen under general anesthesia. The incision resolved abdominal distention as well as the bowel obstruction. Conclusion The presentation of hydrocolpos was not typical (no bulging in the vaginal introitus) in our case, and clinical symptoms implied acute bowel obstruction shortly after birth. The surgeon chose a conservative (watch and wait) approach as the baby did not appear unwell on the second day of life. Fortunately, diagnostic laparotomy was not required as the next step in bowel obstruction management. All clinical symptoms resolved after a minor surgical procedure.

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