Two cases of intestinal perforation during dilatation and curettage in postpartum

Abstract

Dilatation and curettage (D&C) is one of the most frequently performed procedures for first trimester surgical abortion, also nonobstetric D&C can be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic indications. The mortality and morbidity of D&C are very low, and perforation of uterus is rare. But curettage of a large, soft postpartum uterus can be a formidable undertaking because the risk of perforation is high and the procedure commonly results in increased rather than decreased bleeding. Although many perforations are innocuous, others lead to infection, hemorrhage, and trauma to abdominal contents. Bowel perforation is an infrequent complication, it persists as an important cause of peritonitis and sepsis. The following cases describe two women, who suffered intestinal perforation after D&C at delayed postpartum period.