Unusual case of intra-abdominal candidiasis following laparoscopic hysterectomy

Abstract

A 41-year-old woman with menorrhagia secondary to adenomyosis underwent an elective uncomplicated total laparoscopic hysterectomy after failed medical therapy. She developed fever, epigastric pain, nausea and diarrhoea on postoperative day (POD) 2. CT of abdomen and pelvis performed on POD 3 revealed an 8×3×3 cm fluid collection superior to the bladder. She did not respond to conservative treatment with intravenous antibiotics and therefore underwent an ultrasound-guided drainage on POD 7. The green-debris-laden fluid that was drained grewCandida. Investigations to screen for an immunocompromised state were negative. Her symptoms resolved after commencement of fluconazole and she was discharged home on POD 12. Repeat scans in 4 weeks’ time showed a marked reduction in collection. In a well patient, the presence of green intra-abdominal fluid should raise a suspicion for intra-abdominal candidiasis after ruling out bowel injury.