Tumor growth direction predicts surgical difficulty in large uterine fibroids: A retrospective imaging-based study

Objective

To identify preoperative imaging features associated with retroperitoneal growth of large uterine fibroids and evaluate their impact on surgical outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study included 20 patients who underwent hysterectomy for uterine fibroids measuring ≥10 cm between 2014 and 2024. Preoperative CT or MRI was evaluated for four features: bladder displacement, sigmoid colon deviation, cecal displacement, and hydronephrosis. Tumor growth direction (intraperitoneal vs. retroperitoneal) was determined intraoperatively. Operative time, blood loss, and complications were compared between groups.

Results

Eight tumors exhibited retroperitoneal growth. Bladder displacement, cecal shift, sigmoid colon deviation, and hydronephrosis were significantly more common in retroperitoneal cases (all p < 0.05). Retroperitoneal tumors were associated with significantly greater median blood loss (1591 mL vs. 651 mL, p = 0.043), although operative time did not differ significantly (301 vs. 232 min, p = 0.237). Organ injury or resection occurred only in the retroperitoneal group. A bubble plot illustrated the trend of increased surgical burden in retroperitoneal cases.

Conclusion

Retroperitoneal growth of large uterine fibroids is associated with increased intraoperative blood loss and surgical complexity. Four simple imaging features may serve as reliable indicators of growth direction and help guide preoperative planning.