Iliac artery aneurysm presenting as a complication of hysterectomy

Aneurysms rarely presenta as a complication of hysterectomy. A case is reported of a left common iliac artery aneurysm causing readmission 2 weeks after total abdominal hysterectomy. The aneurysm remained undiagnosed prior to percutaneous rupture and subsequent laparotomy. The aneurysm was ligated and resected. No graft or arterial repair was attempted because of the infection that was present. Twenty-three days after hysterectomy, the patient underwent above-the-knee amputation. A review of the literatureis undertaken and possible etiolgic mechanisms discussed.