Intestinal obstruction as a result of intra-abdominal hematoma: a complication of low molecular weight heparin in pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION

Hematomas are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Subcutaneous heparin can bring about direct punctures on small bowel loops, potentially leading to traumatic hematoma and intestinal obstruction.

CASE REPORTS

We present three cases of pediatric patients with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction treated with subcutaneous heparin. Two cases had increased acute-phase reactants and radiological signs of intestinal suffering, so surgical treatment was decided upon, with intramural hematoma emerging as an intraoperative finding. The third case was conservatively managed with anticoagulant discontinuation and gut rest, since the patient had an adequate general condition and no findings compatible with ischemia or necrosis were noted in the complementary tests.

DISCUSSION

The administration of subcutaneous heparin may cause intestinal wall hematomas due to its anticoagulating effect and to the risk of inadvertent punctures on small bowel loops.