Localised Herpes Simplex Following Midline Laparotomy.

Bulluss, Jessica S; Chee, Paul; Verheyden, Matthew J · Med J Aust · 2026

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

An older man with Crohn's disease underwent emergency laparotomy for small bowel perforation. A peri-incisional vesiculobullous eruption developed 5 days later. Histopathology demonstrated viral cytopathic changes, immunohistochemistry was positive for herpes simplex virus and HSV-1 DNA confirmed by polymerase chain reaction test, representing the first reported case of localised herpes simplex following abdominal surgery.

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