Spontaneous Perforation of Pyometra: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background:

Pyometra is an unusual condition commonly occurring in elderly postmenopausal females. Spontaneous perforation of pyometra is rare and challenging situation to diagnose for clinicians. A high index of suspicion is needed to make an appropriate diagnosis, as the presentation is generally vague and most patients are treated for acute abdomen, considering it as a surgical emergency. This article reports on 3 cases of spontaneous perforation of pyometra at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India..

Cases:

Retrospective analysis of the medical records of 3 cases of pyometra perforation are presented. These cases of spontaneous perforation of pyometra are described in this article.

Results:

All 3 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy followed by hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and peritoneal lavage. Postoperative extensive care in intensive care unit (ICU) and broad spectrum antibiotics helped the patients' recovery.

Conclusions:

Spontaneous perforation of pyometra should be considered as a differential diagnosis when a postmenopausal woman presents with an acute abdomen. Timely detection and early intervention can prevent associated morbidity and mortality that can occur with perforated pyometra.