Bowel perforation during retropubic sling procedure.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Rooney
Kristin E
KE
From the Women's Continence Center of Greater Rochester, Rochester, New York.
Cholhan
Hilary J
HJ
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D019300:Medical Errors; D053825:Suburethral Slings / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed