Unexplained spontaneous haemoperitoneum following vaginal delivery: A case report

Abstract

Haemoperitoneum following vaginal delivery is a dire obstetric emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt intervention is the key to reduce morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic challenge and dilemma may occur as was in the index case which followed a vaginal delivery that was considered uncomplicated. A case of an unbooked grand-multiparous woman who was rushed to the hospital in shock with abdominal distension and massive haemoperitoneum following spontaneous vaginal delivery of 24 hours is here presented. A suspicion of ruptured uterus was made and she had emergency laparotomy with findings of massive haemoperitoneum and surprisingly no obvious cause of the bleeding, following very diligent exploration of the entire peritoneal cavity in conjunction with the General Surgeons. She had massive blood transfusion and subsequently had an uneventful recovery. She was discharged home on post-operative day 6.