Uteroenteric fistula resulting from fibroid expulsion after uterine fibroid embolization: case report and review of the literature

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2012 Oct;35(5):1231-6. doi: 10.1007/s00270-011-0318-4. Epub 2011 Dec 10.

Abstract

A 44-year-old woman underwent uncomplicated uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) for menstrual and bulk-related symptoms in an enlarged, myomatous uterus. After surgery, she spontaneously sloughed a large mass of fibroids that arrested in the cervical canal during passage. Four days after gynecological extraction, she developed copious vaginal discharge that contained enteric contents. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a fistula between the small bowel and the uterus. She subsequently underwent hysterectomy, left oophorectomy, and small-bowel resection. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Contrast Media
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Fistula / surgery*
  • Intestine, Small / surgery
  • Leiomyoma / therapy*
  • Ovariectomy
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Uterine Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Uterine Diseases / surgery*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Vaginal Discharge

Substances

  • Contrast Media