Acute segmental dilatation of the cecum without mechanical obstruction following cesarean section

Abstract Two cases of post-cesarean section ileus, associated with severe segmental dilatation of the cecum, are reported. In neither instance was there an organic cause for the ileus, although x-ray films in both patients gave the appearance of mechanical obstruction. One patient required an emergency operation because of the dangerous cecal dilatation, and the other was relieved of a similar situation by the successful passage of a large tube. This life-endangering complication following cesarean section is reported because of its rarity and to alert the obstetrician-gynecologist to the possibility of its occurrence.