Vaginal evisceration after hysterectomy: a rare condition a gynecologist should be familiar with.

PURPOSE

To report a case of vaginal vault rupture with intestinal herniation per vagina after hysterectomy and highlight the risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment options of this rare gynecologic emergency.

METHODS

A 70-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with vaginal evisceration, emerged 4 years after vaginal hysterectomy for uterine prolapse. Approximately 30 cm of the terminal ileum was irreducibly protruding through the vagina.

RESULTS

The patient was transferred to the operating theatre. The prolapsed bowel was reduced via the combined vaginal-abdominal route and the vaginal cuff was closed with non-absorbable interrupted sutures.

CONCLUSION

Awareness as well as high suspicion index among gynecologists and all involved care givers, is important for early diagnosis, given that vaginal evisceration is a potentially life-threatening condition necessitating prompt surgical intervention.