title: Delayed presentation of vernix caseosa peritonitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vernix caseosa peritonitis (VCP) is a rare and poorly recognised condition resulting from a sustained foreign body reaction to the vernix caseosa of the baby. This case-based review aims to highlight its importance for any medical team managing patients with peritonitis  who have undergone a recent Caesarean section.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 31-year-old woman presented 5 weeks after a Caesarean section with symptoms and signs of peritonitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparotomy and peritoneal lavage is the mainstay of treatment for VCP. Knowledge of the condition may stop  inadvertent resection of normal intra-abdominal organs. Greater awareness of VCP is required to ensure earlier recognition as patients can recover well following timely operative intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Great Western Hospital, Marlborough Road, Swindon SN3 6BB, UK. adam.chambers@nhs.net
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Chambers
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hopkins
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Lawrence
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D024162:Second-Look Surgery; D014708:Vernix Caseosa