Faecal contamination during abdominal hysterectomy without bowel injury - A case Report

The incidence of bowel injury during abdominal hysterectomy and faecal contamination of surgical field is uncommon. We report an unusual case of a 34 year old woman who had abdominal hysterectomy for submucous fibroid and had faecal contamination without bowel injury during abdominal hysterectomy. A conservative approach consisting of thorough washing of the surgical field and prophylactic broad spectrum antibiotics is acceptable. A routine preoperative check to make sure the patient has passed stool before taking up for surgery and careful positioning of the patient for surgery are the keys to avoid this complication.