Accidental perforation of the uterus during curettage is undoubtedly of frequent occurrence, but for obvious reasons it is seldom reported. It may happen at the hands of a skilful surgeon, and if proper asepsis has been maintained, and the perforation is recognized immediately, harm seldom results. If, however, the perforation is not recognized as soon as it is made, the operator may continue to curet through the perforation, bringing down a loop of intestine (usually ileum), and, as in the case to be reported, severing the bowel from its mesentery before identifying it.
REPORT OF CASE
Mrs. R., aged 27, had had several previous miscarriages. The Wassermann reaction was + + +. June 29, 1919, being about three and a half months pregnant, she started to miscarry. She was curetted at her home by a local physician, who perforated the uterus, drew down a loop of small intestine, severed it from its mesentery,