Ectopic leiomyoma as a late complication of laparoscopic hysterectomy with power morcellation: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Electromechanical power morcellation is a widely used technique to extract uterine fibroids during laparoscopic hysterectomy. Although the complication rate of morcellators is low, ectopic leiomyoma can appear several years after their use.

Patients and methods: We present a case of an ectopic leiomyoma and a literature review of power morcellation-induced complications and ectopic leiomyoma.

Results: A 49-year-old female presented with epigastric pain 12 years after laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy with morcellation of the specimen. Radiological examinations revealed an epigastric mass of 45 mm that was laparoscopically removed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an ectopic leiomyoma. Complications of power morcellation are rarely reported and include perioperative injuries to bowel, vascular and urinary tract, spreading of ectopic leiomyoma and occult malignancy.

Conclusions: Ectopic leiomyoma are a late and rare complication of a laparoscopic hysterectomy with power morcellation of the uterus.

Keywords:

• Ectopic leiomyoma
• power morcellation
• laparoscopic hysterectomy

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.