Postpartum Surgical Emergency, in the General Surgery Department of the District Hospital of the Commune IV/ Bamako

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum is a period of physical and psychological upheaval with the possibility of surgical complications. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological-clinical, therapeutic and prognostic profile of postpartum surgical emergencies. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study over 8 months (from August 2022 to March 2023) including all patients admitted to the general surgery service for acute surgical abdomen in the postpartum period. Result: Seven patients were retained with an average age of 28.33 6.89years. We found 4 cases (57.1%) of post-operative peritonitis, 1cas (14.3%) of appendicular abscess and 1 case (14.3%) of strangled white line hernia. Clinical signs were dominated by abdominal pain, conjunctival pallor and fever. Anemia was confirmed in 5 (71.4%) patients and we found leukocytosis in all patients. Laparotomy associated with hysterectomy was performed in 2cas, laparotomy avively of the banks and uterine suture in 2 cases, washing of the peritoneal cavity associated with abdominal drainage in 1 case, hernia cure in 1cas, an appendectomy in 1cas and a sigmoidectomy in 1cas; abdominal drainage was performed in all our patients. Conclusion: The occurrence of an abdominal surgical emergency in postpartum is serious and may involve the obstetric and vital prognosis of the patient. The involvement of all actors (surgeon, obstetrician and anesthesiologist resuscitator) in the management, remains essential to secure the periartum period.