Uterine leiomyoma particle growing in an abdominal-wall incision after laparoscopic retrieval

Background: As laparoscopic myomectomy gains acceptance among patients and pelvic surgeons, new laparoscopic techniques create a risk for complications that were not encountered in classic laparotomy myomectomy. Report of such complications will allow surgeons to undertake appropriate steps to prevent them. Case: Fragments of uterine leiomyomas unintentionally implanted and growing in abdominal-wall incisions after laparoscopic myomectomy presented clinically with incisional pain and an abdominal-wall mass of increasing size. Diagnosis was confirmed by the histology, and treatment was achieved by excision. Conclusion: In the differential diagnosis of a progressively increasing incisional mass and pain after laparoscopic myomectomy, inadvertent implantation and growing particles of uterine leiomyomas should be considered when fragmented tumors are removed through a trocar sleeve. (C) 1997 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.