ABSTRACT
Due to incipient HELLP syndrome and no progression in labour, a caesarean was performed on a 33-year-old para I gravida I. During the operation she suffered a heavy blood loss as a result of uterine inertia. In the postoperative stage she developed an acute idiopathic colonic pseudo-obstruction, also known as Ogilvie's syndrome. Only 6 days after the operation did she slowly recover. Additional factors that could have led to Ogilvie's syndrome are the caesarean, the HELLP syndrome and the postpartal haemorrhage. Due to her reduced physical health, the mobilization of the patient was restricted, which further prolonged the recovery. However, an early initiation of supportive treatment, the timely diagnosis of Ogilvie's syndrome and two colonoscopic decompressions prevented a caecal rupture. After 3 weeks of hospitalization, the patient was discharged in good general health.
