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Peritonitis from sorbitol distending medium after hysteroscopy
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. ajphillips@pol.net
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 11, 2003
Summary
Peritonitis is a rare complication of hysteroscopy. This case highlights sorbitol distending medium as a potential cause, emphasizing its consideration in post-procedure abdominal pain.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Surgical Complications
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hysteroscopy is a common gynecological procedure with a low complication rate.
- This report details a rare instance of peritonitis following hysteroscopy.
Observation:
- A patient developed immediate postoperative peritonitis after a diagnostic hysteroscopy for menorrhagia.
- Laparoscopy revealed no uterine perforation but indicated peritoneal inflammation.
Findings:
- Peritoneal exudates contained white blood cells but no microorganisms.
- The peritonitis was attributed to sorbitol, a distending medium, diffusing into the peritoneal cavity.
Implications:
- Sorbitol distending medium can cause peritonitis, a serious complication of hysteroscopy.
- Abdominal pain post-hysteroscopy warrants consideration of sorbitol-induced peritonitis in differential diagnoses.