Laparoscopic assessment and transvaginal reparation of post-coital vaginal cuff dehiscence with bowel evisceration: a case report

• Published in: The Pan African medical journal 2020-04, Vol.35 (118), p.118
• Main Authors: Sendy, Feras, Simone, Luisa De, Albaut, Maël, Lambert, Antonin, Nohuz, Erdogan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acute pelvic pain; Adult; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy - adverse effects; Intestine, Small - pathology; Laparoscopy; Pelvic Pain - therapy; Postoperative Complications - diagnosis; Sexual Behavior; Surgical Wound Dehiscence - diagnosis; total hysterectomy; Vagina - pathology; Vagina - surgery; vaginal cuff dehiscence
• ISSN: 1937-8688; 1937-8688
• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.35.118.21036

Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is a rare postoperative complication of total hysterectomy. Presenting symptom is acute pelvic or abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Immediate recognition and surgical repair are crucial for successful management. A 40-year-old para 1+0 presented with complaints of pelvic pain associated with sexual activity, three months after a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Speculum examination revealed the presence of bowel into the vagina. Diagnostic laparoscopic assessment combined with VCD repair through the transvaginal route. The occurrence of VCD after laparoscopic hysterectomy has been linked to overuse of electrocautery, prolonged inflammatory response and suturing methods. Laparoscopic, abdominal and vaginal approaches are the routes for repairing VCD. However, it depends on the clinical presentation and surgeon expertise. Careful history, and physical examination are vital factors in guiding clinicians to diagnose and treat VCD. Nevertheless, an ideal modality remains variable to each case.