Bowel perforation during retropubic sling procedure

Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Feb;115(2 Pt 2):429-431. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181c856fb.

Abstract

Background: Bowel perforation is a rare complication of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT)-type sling procedures and has been reported in patients with a previous history of abdominal or pelvic surgery.

Case: A 77-year-old woman with no prior history of abdominal or pelvic surgery underwent elective surgery for pelvic organ prolapse with a vaginal vault colpocleisis and suburethral sling. On postoperative day 2, a computed tomography scan performed for suprapubic discomfort showed an enterocutaneous fistula, which was treated surgically.

Conclusion: Bowel perforation is a complication of TVT-type slings in patients with or without prior abdominal or pelvic surgery. High clinical suspicion, prompt identification, and surgical intervention allowed for a favorable outcome in this case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Intestine, Small / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestine, Small / injuries*
  • Medical Errors*
  • Suburethral Slings / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed