Delayed presentation of vernix caseosa peritonitis
A C Chambers1, A V Patil, R Alves
1Department of General Surgery, Great Western Hospital, Marlborough Road, Swindon SN3 6BB, UK. adam.chambers@nhs.net
Introduction:
Vernix caseosa peritonitis (VCP) is a rare and poorly recognised condition resulting from a sustained foreign body reaction to the vernix caseosa of the baby. This case-based review aims to highlight its importance for any medical team managing patients with peritonitis who have undergone a recent Caesarean section.
Case Report:
A 31-year-old woman presented 5 weeks after a Caesarean section with symptoms and signs of peritonitis.
Conclusions:
Laparotomy and peritoneal lavage is the mainstay of treatment for VCP. Knowledge of the condition may stop inadvertent resection of normal intra-abdominal organs. Greater awareness of VCP is required to ensure earlier recognition as patients can recover well following timely operative intervention.
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