Open AccessSpontaneously perforated pyometra: an unusual cause of acute abdomen and pneumoperitoneum
Author(s) -
Iestyn Shapey,
Tahia Abdel Nasser,
Paul Dickens,
Meghna Haldar,
M. M. Solkar
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of the royal college of surgeons of england
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.39
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1478-7083
pISSN - 0035-8843
DOI - 10.1308/003588412x13373405387410
Subject(s) - pneumoperitoneum , pyometra , medicine , acute abdomen , perforation , uterus , malignancy , abdomen , peritonitis , surgery , general surgery , laparoscopy , uterine perforation , family planning , population , materials science , environmental health , research methodology , punching , metallurgy
Pneumoperitoneum is usually associated with gastrointestinal perforation or following surgical and endoscopic procedures. We report a rare case of spontaneously perforated pyometra presenting with generalised peritonitis and pneumoperitoneum. Perforation of the uterus is also unusual and often associated with the presence of an intrauterine device, a gravid uterus or malignancy. Our case illustrates the importance of clinical knowledge of acute and neoplastic gynaecological diseases, which are not uncommonly encountered by the general surgeon. Moreover, good appreciation of pelvic anatomy and close collaboration with gynaecology colleagues is essential as operative intervention is often required.