The patient had abdominal ultrasonography, which
revealed dilated, fluid filled loops of small bowel. She went
on to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the
same day, which confirmed adhesional SBO. She was
treated conservatively for 6 days with nasogastric tube
decompression and intravenous fluids until she reached
her 28th week of gestation. At this gestational age, it was
felt that if a laparotomy triggered labour, the chances of
fetal survival would be greatly improved. Repeat MRI at 28
gestational weeks showed non-resolving SBO. The patient
underwent a laparotomy and adhesiolysis. Postoperatively,
she made a slow but steady recovery before being discharged
on her tenth postoperative day. She subsequently
underwent an emergency Caesarean section at 30 weeks,
having developed HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver
enzymes and Low Platelet) syndrome, giving birth to two
healthy twins.