Laparoscopic Tumorectomy for an Unusual Pelvic Retroperitoneal Leiomyoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Leiomyomas are benign tumors, mostly located in the uterus. The pelvic localization is quite rare, and it is associated with unusual growth patterns. It is important to make an adequate differential diagnosis between malignant and benign retroperitoneal neoplasm because treatment is different. When it is not possible to have a precise preoperative diagnosis, a laparoscopic or laparotomy surgical tumorectomy is often required. To obtain a certain diagnosis, the goal of surgery is ensuring the complete excision of neoplasms and preservation of urination, defecation, and sexual function. We report a rare case of a 58-year-old woman who underwent a laparoscopic tumorectomy for a pelvic retroperitoneal leiomyoma. The patient reported occasional episodes of dull pain in the pelvic region. Pelvic contrast CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a retroperitoneal solid mass in contiguity with the posterior wall of the uterine body-isthmus, to be referred to as a pedunculated uterine fibroma strictly posteriorly adherent to the sigma. She first underwent to explorative laparoscopy by a gynecologist who did not find any uterine mass. The patient was subsequently admitted to the department of general surgery and has done a second operative laparoscopy which highlighted the presence of an extra-peritoneal para-rectal mass which was completely excised. The histological examination of tumor indicated that it was a leiomyoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in III post-operative day (POD).