pelvic cellulitis

cellulitis /cel·lu·li·tis/ (-li´tis) inflammation of the soft or connective tissue, in which a thin, watery exudate spreads through the cleavage planes of interstitial and tissue spaces; it may lead to ulceration and abscess.

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anaerobic cellulitis  see clostridial anaerobic c. and nonclostridial anaerobic c.

clostridial anaerobic cellulitis  that due to a necrotizing clostridial infection, especially by Clostridium perfingens, usually arising in devitalized or otherwise compromised tissue.

gangrenous cellulitis  that leading to death of the tissue followed by bacterial invasion and putrefaction.

nonclostridial anaerobic cellulitis  that usually resulting from synergism between anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and leading to progressive tissue destruction and often fatal septicemia.

pelvic cellulitis  parametritis.

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pelvic cellulitis

n.

See parametritis.

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pelvic cellulitis,

bacterial infection of the parametrium, occurring after childbirth or spontaneous or therapeutic abortion. It represents an extension of infection via the blood vessels and lymphatics from a primary wound infection in the external genitalia, perineum, vagina, cervix, or uterus. It is characterized by fever, uterine subinvolution, chills and sweats, abdominal pain that spreads laterally, and, if untreated, the formation of a large abscess and signs of peritonitis. It occurs most commonly between the third and the ninth days after delivery or abortion. Treatment includes an antibiotic, bed rest, IV fluids, and drainage of any abscess that forms. Oxytocics may be given to augment involution.