Intestinal injuries following induced abortion

Abstract

Sixteen cases of intestinal injuries following illegally induced abortion are reviewed. They constituted 2% of all such cases in the study period. Ten were terminal ileal injuries while six were colonic. Colonic injuries were predominantly encountered in the first trimester. The relative fixity of the terminal ileum and pelvic colon may be a factor in the determination of the site of injury. Morbidity and mortality are related to both gestational age and site of injury.