Consequences of unsafe abortion in India- a case report

Sanjoy Kumar Bhattacharyya,Ranjan Pal,Sohini Bhattacharya,Shyama Prasad Saha

doi:10.17077/2154-4751.1114

Sanjoy Kumar Bhattacharyya, Ranjan Pal + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.17077/2154-4751.1114

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Abstract

<em>Unsafe abortion represents a preventable yet major cause for maternal mortality in India. A majority of these abortions are performed confidentially. Complications occur in a large portion of these cases and ultimately require tertiary care. However, patients and their relatives often fail to disclose the abortion despite the critical state of the patients. This scenario creates considerable confusion for diagnosis and treatment and can lead to further complications. This case report of complications associated with an unsafe abortion in India highlights the need for clinicians to consider the possibility of an undisclosed abortion when treating any morbid woman of reproductive age.</em>

Highlights

Unsafe abortion is defined as an induced abortion process either conducted by unskilled personnel or performed in a non-accredited facility.[1]
Under the Revised Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP act) in India, both the caregiver and the patient are held liable for unsafe abortion.[3]
History of amenorrhea and unexplainable bulky, soft uterus compelled us to consider the possibility of unsafe abortion in our diagnosis and proceed

Summary

Introduction

Unsafe abortion is defined as an induced abortion process either conducted by unskilled personnel or performed in a non-accredited facility.[1]. Loops and a bulky, empty uterus along with fluid collection in the pouch of Douglas (P.O.D.) She was initially managed conservatively with antibiotics ceftriaxone one gram twice a day and metronidazole 200 mg and gentamycin 80 mg three times a day. Her condition deteriorated and laparotomy was performed on the third day after admission It revealed a pyoperitoneum and a uterine perforation with a mutilated, putrefied fetus of approximate 24 weeks gestational age adherent in the P.O.D. Laparotomy finding: showing perforated uterus and mutilated putrefied fetus taken out from the Pouch of Douglas

Discussion

Conclusion