Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
04:26
Postoperative Ileus Murine Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
Incarcerated small bowel associated with elective abortion uterine perforation
Lisa M Coughlin1, Dorothy A Sparks, Daniel M Chase
1Department of Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Uterine perforation after abortion can lead to bowel obstruction weeks later. Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this rare but serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Surgical Complications
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Uterine perforation is a rare complication of abortion.
- It may go unrecognized initially, presenting later with complications.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old woman presented with bowel obstruction 3 weeks post-abortion.
- Exploratory laparotomy revealed small bowel herniation into a perforated uterus.
Findings:
- Intrauterine bowel, a rare finding, can cause bowel obstruction and strangulation.
- Ultrasound and CT scans may suggest the diagnosis, but clinical suspicion is key.
Implications:
- Prompt surgical intervention, including laparotomy and possible bowel resection, is necessary for intrauterine bowel.
- Healthcare providers should maintain a high clinical suspicion for uterine perforation in patients with a history of abortion presenting with abdominal symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations: