Coincidental spontaneous perforation of the small intestine following operative hysteroscopy: A case report

Abstract

ObjectiveOperative hysteroscopy is a common gynecologic procedure, but it carries the risk of complications. Spontaneous small intestine perforation is rare and fatal, especially in young adults. We present a spontaneous small intestine perforation after operative hysteroscopy with mimicking sign of uterine perforation after operation hysteroscopy. Case reportA 30-year-old nulligravida woman underwent Truclear® hysteroscopic polypectomy in the morning in LMD. She suffered from upper abdominal pain in the afternoon. Subsequently, progressive abdominal distention and imminent shock occurred the next morning. Initially, it was supposed to be a case of uterine rupture with internal bleeding. She was transferred to the emergency department of our hospital. Complete biochemistry data and abdominal CT were performed. The CT revealed pneumoperitoneum and ascites. Emergent laparoscopy was arranged. The abdominal cavity was full of intestinal fluid and the myomatous uterus was intact. The surgeon performed a laparotomy, two sites of spontaneous perforation of the small intestine were detected. The patient underwent laparotomic segmental resection and anastomosis and was discharged 14 days after surgery without incident. ConclusionsThe risk of uterine perforation during hysteroscopy is up to 1.6%. The use of non-thermal intrauterine morcellator device (Truclear®) has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of perforation and thermal injury. As this case highlights, we suspected the possibility of uterine perforation immediately after hysteroscopic surgery. However, it happened to be rare spontaneous perforation of small bowel. The patient recovered well after timely transfer and management. Hysteroscopy is a very common procedure in gynecologic clinics, but even relatively safe intrauterine morcellator devices carry risk of complications. As a healthcare provider, we should beware of any comorbidity, for sometimes it would be catastrophic.