Background: Dermoid cyst is the most frequent benign ovarian tumor. Spillage of cyst contents during surgery is common and can rarely lead to chemical peritonitis.
Case report: A patient presented 3 days after attempted laparoscopic removal of bilateral dermoid cysts. On examination, she had a low-grade fever, rebound tenderness with guarding, and a markedly elevated white blood cell count. A decision was made to proceed with laparoscopy with the presumptive diagnosis of chemical peritonitis. Laparoscopic findings included residual dermoid cyst contents and extensive filmy adhesions of the bowel and omentum to the peritoneal surface. The chemical peritonitis resolved after laparoscopic removal of residual dermoid cyst content including bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and copious irrigation.
Conclusion: Early recognition and prompt treatment by repeat laparoscopic surgery with removal of the remaining cyst contents and peritoneal lavage can be a successful method for treating chemical peritonitis.