[Uterine perforation after an illegal abortion]

This study focuses on problems related to the management of peritonitis following non-medically assisted abortions in developing countries. Between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1998, four cases of peritonitis due to perforation of the uterus occurred in a consecutive series of 101 women treated following non-medically assisted abortions at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of the University Hospital Center in Dakar, Senegal. Abortions were performed by untrained persons using dangerous instruments (wood or metal probes) for prices ranging from 5000 to 30,000 CFA francs. The mean interval between abortion and hospitalization was seven days. All patients presented in poor condition with low-grade symptoms of peritonitis. In 3 of 4 cases, the site of perforation was located in the isthmus (anterior, posterior, and lateral). Extensive necrotic lesions required hysterectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 cases including parietal infection in one case, repeat peritonitis requiring re-operation in one case, and fatal iliomesenteric infarction in one case. Prevention could best be achieved by reducing unwanted pregnancies by better sex education and access to contraceptive techniques.