Totally laparoscopic repair of an ileal and uterine iatrogenic perforation secondary to endometrial curettage

Int Surg. 2015 Feb;100(2):244-8. doi: 10.9738/INTSURG-D-13-00267.1.

Abstract

Small bowel perforation is a unique, serious complication during endometrial biopsy. The authors report a case of a double uterine-ileal perforation totally managed by primary laparoscopic repair. A 63-year-old female was admitted with acute abdomen 2 days after an endometrial curettage. Abdominal X-ray shows signs of pneumoperitoneum. Emergency diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and a uterine-ileal perforation was identified. Repair was accomplished by a totally laparoscopic intracorporeally suturing of the 2 breaches. Postoperative course showed only a delayed ileus and the patient was discharged after 5 days with no complications. When acute abdomen arises following uterine biopsy, a potential iatrogenic intestinal laceration always has to be ruled out. Laparoscopic approach is a quick and safe technique in these cases. Totally laparoscopic primary closure of the iatrogenic ileal laceration may be accomplished with low morbidity.

Keywords: Endometrial curettage; Primary laparoscopic repair; Small bowel perforation; Uterine puncture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Curettage / adverse effects*
  • Endometrium / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease*
  • Ileum / injuries*
  • Ileum / surgery*
  • Intestinal Perforation / surgery
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Uterine Perforation / etiology*
  • Uterine Perforation / surgery