Common gastrointestinal problems in women and pregnancy

Women are challenged with unique presentations of GI disorders due to their unique anatomy and due to pregnancy and childbirth. Some GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, are more prevalent in women. Diagnosis of IBS is often difficult, and a multifactorial approach to treatment is recommended. Vaginal delivery may lead to fecal incontinence via episiotomy, instrumented delivery, or fetal macrosomia. Medications, biofeedback, electrical stimulation therapy, and surgery are viable options in the treatment of fecal Incontinence. Rectovaginal fistulae are an uncommon yet potentially serious complication of vaginal birth, pelvic trauma, and malignancies and can be postoperative sequelae of common gynecologic surgeries. Prompt identification and treatment of these fistulate can lead to a favorable therapeutic outcome.

Duke Scholars

Author Arleen H Song Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Su ...