Small bowel obstruction associated with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.

BACKGROUND

Patients may present with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse in conjunction with small bowel obstruction. Prior pelvic surgery, malignancy, and radiation therapy may be associated with this presentation.

CASE: An 83-year-old multiparous woman with a history of poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma was treated with radiation therapy, total abdominal hysterectomy, and salpingo-oophorectomy. Anterior exenteration was performed for a recurrence. Seventeen years after her last pelvic operation, she had small bowel obstruction that coincided with a worsening post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. Surgical management included a side-to-side ileoileostomy and excision with closure of the vaginal apex.

CONCLUSION

Although pelvic organ prolapse primarily affects quality of life, clinicians should be alert for bowel obstruction occurring with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.