To report a case of stercoral perforation in an elderly patient.
Approach:
Case Presentation: An 85-year-old woman with a 6-month history of chronic constipation presented with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and absence of bowel movements.
Diagnostic Imaging: CT scan revealed free intraperitoneal air, fecal impaction in the sigmoid colon, and signs of peritonitis.
Surgical Intervention: Emergency laparoscopic exploration followed by limited open surgery was performed, revealing a 2.5 cm × 2.0 cm perforation.
Postoperative Care: The patient received intensive care monitoring, broad-spectrum antibiotics, nutritional support, and electrolyte replacement.
Key Findings:
The patient was diagnosed with probable stercoral perforation based on clinical and radiological findings.
Surgical intervention involved debridement and colostomy without bowel resection due to the patient's high-risk status.
The patient was discharged in stable condition with no recurrence at follow-up.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
The case study is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.
Long-term outcomes beyond one year were not assessed.
Conclusion:
Early CT evaluation is crucial in managing suspected stercoral perforation in elderly patients.
