Neglected puerperal inversion of the uterus: ignorance makes acute a chronic form

Abstract

Inversion of uterus is a rare complication of vaginal delivery. The reported incidence of puerperal inversion varies from approximately 1 in 550 to 1
in several thousand normal deliveries. Maternal mortality has been reported to be as high as 15%, mainly because of associated life threatening
blood loss and shock. Early diagnosis, prompt and aggressive management decrease the morbidity and mortality to minimal. We report a case of
21 year old primi, who presented to us with uterine inversion after delivery at a rural set up by untrained birth attendant (“Dai”). She was managed surgically with Haultain’s operation and discharged after 5 days. She didn’t turn up for follow up and was readmitted after 4 weeks with uterine reinversion associated with endometritis. A recent case is described, followed by a short review of literature.

Key words: Inversion of uterus, acute puerperal inversion, shock, post partum bleeding, neglect