Uterocutaneous fistula after cesarean section; Case report

Fistula is an abnormal tract communicating two epithelial surfaces, uterocutaneous fistula is an extremely rare. The classical presentation is cyclical bleeding from an abnormal opening in the scar of previous cesarean section.

A 28 year-old was presented 6 months after cesarean section with history of severe pain and blood discharge during menstruation from the previous transverse supra-pubic scar. The patient had history of previous 2 cesarean sections. Abdominal examination revealed a localized tenderness at site of previous operation scar with 1*1 cm opening at the central part of the scar which was discharging blood during pressure over the lower abdomen. There was no urine discharge from the scar. Vaginal examination by the speculum was normal.

Endometriosis was suspected and the patient received medical treatment with little improvement. Later, surgical intervention was done, the scar was excised with an abnormal fistulous tract connecting endometrial cavity at the site of the previous scar was found. Complete excision of the tract was done and the uterus was re-sutured using a slowly-absorbable suture material. The patient had no complications with regular cycles.

Uterocutaneous fistula is rare and usually follow cesarean section, suturing the uterus with non-absorbable suture material is reported in this case to be one of the underlying causes, other causes include infection, necrosis, foreign bodies, or malignancy. The fistula tract must be defined and any associated infection controlled, complete resection of the fistulous tract and suturing the uterus with absorbable suture material is required.