Optimizing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for the Geriatric Population: A Practical Case Study and Comprehensive Literature Review.

Elderly patients represent a large cohort of patients requiring gynaecological surgery for benign and malignant indications. In recent years, several conventional gynaecological procedures have shifted towards minimally invasive alternatives such as laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and robotic surgery. A recent Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) analysis compared the outcomes of 25,000 women undergoing laparotomy versus laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy and found that laparoscopy is associated with a shorter duration of hospitalization (three days versus five days), less postoperative complications (76%), less requirement for blood transfusion, reduced operational costs, faster recovery, and an overall safer surgical experience. Although geriatric patients are affected by age-related comorbidities, physiologic changes, and altered pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of administered drugs, these patients benefit most from minimally invasive surgery. In this paper, we present a comprehensive account of the interdisciplinary perioperative approaches employed to accomplish a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymph node dissection in an 82-year-old patient who was diagnosed with grade I endometrial adenocarcinoma and multiple age-related medical comorbidities.

A subserosal uterine leiomyoma complicated with intra-abdominal haemorrhage: A case report.

Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are the most common benign tumours of the female genital tract. Although uterine fibroids are commonly associated with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, symptomatic anaemia, urinary or bowel symptoms and infertility, intra-abdominal haemorrhage is an exceedingly rare complication. Often, the diagnosis is poorly recognizable based on the patient's clinical presentation and alternative diagnoses such as ruptured ectopic pregnancy, ruptured ovarian cyst or perforated viscus are frequently considered. Herein, we describe a case of a 50-year-old perimenopausal woman who presented with acute, lower abdominal pain, evolving anaemia, hypovolaemic shock and haemoperitoneum with no discernable source. Emergency exploratory laparotomy confirmed the source of massive haemoperitoneum arising from a ruptured blood vessel supplying a large subserosal uterine leiomyoma and the patient subsequently underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Given the paucity of publications on this clinical entity, the aim of this report is to highlight a rare complication of uterine leiomyomas, its pathophysiological spectrum and its relevance to emergency physicians, general surgeons and gynaecologists.

Metastatic Uterine Leiomyosarcoma as a Rare and Sinister Cause of Respiratory Distress: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Uterine leiomyosarcomas are an extremely rare subtype of uterine malignancy. This is a case report of a 47-year-old woman whose underlying uterine leiomyosarcoma manifested as acute respiratory distress secondary to pulmonary metastases. We highlight that a combination of suggestive imaging features and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may prompt its diagnosis, notwithstanding that histological examination of a tissue sample is mandatory for its confirmation. The diagnosis of this condition is arduous for a multitude of reasons, including the insidious clinical course, aggressive nature, and high propensity to metastasize, coupled with a lack of standardised guidelines for its preoperative work-up. These challenges are amplified where resources may be limited, such as in the Caribbean region, where radiographic imaging and treatment options may not always be readily available.

Perioperative challenges following management of spontaneous hepatic rupture in a parturient with severe pre-eclampsia - A case report.

Spontaneous hepatic rupture in pregnancy (SHRP) is a rare but often fatal condition associated with pre-eclampsia or HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome. SHRP is linked to significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, and maternal complications can extend past the initial intraoperative period. This case report describes the challenging perioperative course of a 35-year-old woman with SHRP. She underwent five laparotomies during a prolonged and complicated course in the intensive care unit. Despite these challenges, maternal and fetal outcomes were good. This case report serves to highlight key perioperative multidisciplinary issues in the care of these patients.

A Practical Approach to Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a Morbidly Obese Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Morbid obesity, traditionally considered to be a contraindication to total laparoscopic hysterectomy, is now evolving into an indication. Innovations and advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques have significantly improved patient morbidity and mortality rates, reduced operational costs, and provided patients with an overall safer surgical experience. Although the laparoscopic approach is associated with several physiologic and technical challenges in the morbidly obese, it is plausible that these patients stand to benefit the most from minimally invasive surgery. This report highlights the methods of preoperative optimization, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative management strategies employed to achieve a successful total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in a patient with a BMI of 45kg/m2, diagnosed with grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma and several obesity-related comorbidities.

Ovarian Teratoma Presenting With Gliomatosis Peritonei and a Melange of Symptoms Mimicking Ovarian Cancer in a Paediatric Patient.

Gliomatosis peritonei (GP) is a rare condition characterised by mature glial nodules that implant in the peritoneum, lymph nodes, or omentum. GP is typically associated with mature or immature ovarian teratomas and usually affects adolescent females. Although neuroglia may be a standard feature of mature ovarian teratomas, widespread peritoneal glial nodules, ascites, and pleural effusion are rare, particularly in the paediatric population. We report a case of a giant left mature ovarian teratoma associated with GP and omental splenunculus in a 12-year-old female who presented with constipation, an adnexal mass, ascites, pleural effusion, and elevated CA-125 levels. The patient successfully underwent fertility-sparing surgery in the form of a left salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and resection of peritoneal glial deposits. In light of the current scarcity of data on this clinical entity in the literature, we hope to raise awareness of this rare presentation of mature ovarian teratoma, the challenges associated with preoperative diagnosis, and the impact of fertility-sparing surgery on potential oncological and reproductive outcomes in a paediatric patient.

The Hangman's Tourniquet: A Safe and Practical Approach for Reducing Blood Loss During Uterine Myomectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The application of a pericervical uterine artery tourniquet is a useful method of reducing intraoperative haemorrhage during abdominal myomectomy. However, the utilization of a single combined pericervical uterine artery and infundibulopelvic ligament tourniquet is a more effective and influential method of temporarily occluding the uterine vasculature to decrease intraoperative blood loss, reducing the requirement for blood products, the risk of conversion to hysterectomy, and patient morbidity and mortality during fertility-sparing leiomyoma surgery. Our objective of this retrospective review was to assess the effectiveness of the combined uterine artery and infundibulopelvic ligament tourniquet, which we coin as the "Hangman's uterine tourniquet", in reducing intraoperative blood loss during abdominal myomectomy, thereby reducing the need for blood products. METHODS: This retrospective study included 39 patients diagnosed with symptomatic subserosal, intramural, and/or submucosal uterine leiomyoma (>3 cm) who underwent an abdominal myomectomy between January 2021 and December 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients met the eligibility criteria for our study. The average patient age included in our study was 36 years. All myomectomies were completed with a mean intraoperative blood loss of 252.60 ml and the average number of fibroids removed was seven. The largest fibroid removed measured 27 x 20 cm in diameter while the most significant number of fibroids removed was 41. Moreover, the mean duration of the tourniquet application was 45.31 minutes, and the mean duration of operation was 80.44 minutes. Thirty-six patients (92.3%) had an estimated blood loss <500 ml. The number of fibroids removed was a statistically significant risk factor influencing estimated blood loss (p = 0.019). However, there was no statistical significance between estimated blood loss and the size of the largest fibroid removed (p = 0.178) nor estimated blood loss and a history of previous surgery (p = 0.412). The postoperative blood transfusion rate was 2.5% and no patients suffered grade III or higher surgical complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the utilization of a temporary intraoperative combined pericervical uterine artery and infundibulopelvic ligament tourniquet is an effective, practical, and economical approach to limiting intraoperative blood loss during abdominal myomectomy.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy rupture at 17 weeks of gestation: A case report and literature review.

Interstitial pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that commonly results in uterine rupture and life-threatening haemorrhage. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies are associated with a 2-5% mortality rate and a high risk of uterine rupture before 12 weeks of gestation when compared to tubal pregnancy. Due to the thickness and distensibility of the interstitial segment of the Fallopian tube, ectopic pregnancy in this location attains a considerable size before complications arise. Unfortunately, this clinical entity may prove to be a diagnostic challenge, leading to delays in treatment and significant morbidity and mortality in women of reproductive age. Herein, we report a case of a ruptured interstitial ectopic pregnancy occurring at 17 weeks of gestation that was successfully managed with surgical intervention, after proving to be a diagnostic challenge.

Thoracic endometriosis masquerading as Meigs' syndrome in a young woman: A case report and literature review.

Thoracic endometriosis is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by the presence of endometriotic deposits on the diaphragm, lungs or pleural space. Patients may present with massive hemothorax, pneumothorax, hemoptysis or pulmonary nodules. It is a complex condition that often proves to be a diagnostic challenge, resulting in under-diagnosis, delays in treatment and significant morbidity in women of reproductive age. We report a case of endometriosis causing massive pleural effusion and ascites, with a left adnexal fibroid mass mimicking Meigs' syndrome in a nulliparous woman in her late 30s. The patient was successfully managed with hormonal therapy following fertility-sparing surgical treatment. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with thoracic endometriosis because of its close resemblance to more sinister gynecological conditions. Hormonal therapy is the long-term treatment of choice in patients with thoracic endometriosis to reduce the risk of symptom recurrence and preserve fertility.

Laparoscopic management of a true broad ligament leiomyoma in a patient with advanced endometriosis and a solitary kidney - A case report and literature review.

Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumours of the female genital tract, and almost always arise from the uterine myometrium. Although extrauterine leiomyomas are rare, they usually develop in sites such as the ovary, broad ligament, round ligament, cervix or abdominal wall. The broad ligament is the most common site of extrauterine leiomyoma involvement, and this unique clinical entity may prove to be a diagnostic or therapeutic challenge, particularly in patients with advanced endometriosis and distorted pelvic anatomy. Herein, we report the case of a large true broad ligament leiomyoma that was discovered during a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in a 47-year-old patient with stage IV endometriosis and a congenital left kidney and left ureter. This case highlights a rare occurrence of a true broad ligament leiomyoma, the challenges associated with preoperative diagnosis, and the laparoscopic approach to its management.

Clear cell carcinoma palisading in a focus of endometriosis on the uterine serosa - A case report and review of the literature.

Background: Clear cell carcinoma arising from the malignant transformation of endometriosis is a rare but aggressive cancer often diagnosed in perimenopausal women. Malignant transformation constitutes a rare complication of endometriosis, with only a few cases reported in the medical literature. Clear cell carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma are the two most common histological subtypes associated with malignant endometriosis. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old Afro-Trinidadian woman underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a degenerated uterine leiomyoma. Histopathology demonstrated an isolated finding of clear cell carcinoma occurring within an endometriotic cyst on the uterine serosa. Subsequent surgical staging demonstrated early-stage disease associated with a high-risk histological subtype and the patient was referred for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Conclusion: This case highlights the clinical manifestations and treatment modalities employed for an early-stage high-risk subtype of endometriosis-associated cancer. In light of the few publications on this clinical entity, we hope to raise awareness of this unique complication of endometriosis and contribute evidence to the development of standardized treatment protocols.

Metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma to the uterine cervix-a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Poorly differentiated diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma often presents at an advanced stage. While gastric cancer typically metastasizes to the liver, lung and bone, metastasis to the uterine cervix is extremely rare. To our knowledge, less than forty cases have been described in the medical literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 47-year-old woman who presented to us with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas and subsequently underwent a successful total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The diagnosis of metastatic cancer involving the cervix was established incidentally on histopathology, which demonstrated atypical signet ring cells in the lymphovascular spaces of the cervix. Further investigations for a primary malignancy revealed a poorly differentiated diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer involving the uterine cervix is rare and associated with a poor prognosis. When presented with isolated cervical metastases, the gastrointestinal tract should be considered as a possible primary source. Due to the limited publications on this clinical entity, we expect to raise awareness and study this unique manifestation of gastric cancer by presenting our case.

A Case Report of the Largest Submucosal Uterine Leiomyoma Removed by Single-Session Hysteroscopic Myomectomy in the Caribbean.

Minimally invasive gynecological surgery is rapidly evolving in the Caribbean. Hysteroscopic myomectomy is the procedure of choice for the removal of submucosal uterine leiomyomas. In Trinidad and Tobago, advancements in minimally invasive surgery have allowed submucosal myomectomies to be performed hysteroscopically with results that are on par with international standards of care. This report highlights a successful hysteroscopic myomectomy performed for the largest submucosal uterine leiomyoma documented in the Caribbean.

A Rare Case of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Uterine Cervix.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the uterine cervix is an exceedingly rare mesenchymal tumor that accounts for less than 1% of all cervical cancers. This highly malignant tumor primarily affects adolescents and young adults. Due to the paucity of publications on this clinical entity, there are no clearly established treatment protocols. However, a multimodal approach to treatment that involves surgical intervention combined with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy appears to improve patient outcomes. Herein, we report a case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix in a 24-year-old female, who presented with an exophytic cervical mass and vaginal bleeding. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine cervix with extension into the lower uterine segment. This patient was successfully managed with a combination of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Clear cell carcinoma arising from abdominal wall endometriosis-a report on two cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Malignant transformation of abdominal wall endometriosis is extremely rare. Clear cell carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma are the two most prevalent histological subtypes of malignant endometriosis. To date, approximately, thirty cases of clear cell carcinoma arising from abdominal wall endometriosis have been described worldwide. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases of clear cell carcinoma developing postoperatively in the anterior abdominal wall in women with a history of extensive endometriosis. Histopathology of the resected abdominal wall tumor demonstrated benign endometriosis contiguous with features of clear cell carcinoma. These histological features satisfied Sampson's criteria which are required for diagnosing malignant endometriosis. Both patients were successfully managed with platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy following cytoreductive surgery. CONCLUSION: Clear cell carcinoma arising from the abdominal wall endometriosis is a rare, highly aggressive cancer with a propensity to recur or metastasize. Due to the limited publications on this clinical entity, there are no clearly established protocols regarding adjuvant treatment, and an evaluation of prognostic factors is lacking. Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion for malignant endometriosis of the abdominal wall, particularly in patients with an abdominal wall mass, prior abdominal surgery, and long-standing endometriosis. By presenting our case, we expect to raise awareness and study of this rare endometriosis-related neoplasm.

Isolated Intrinsic Ureteral Endometriosis: A Rare Presentation of Ureteral Obstruction.

Intrinsic ureteral endometriosis is a very rare presentation of deep infiltrating endometriosis. It can lead to urinary tract obstruction and loss of renal function. Clinical suspicion and radiologic assessment can aid in preoperative diagnosis and help plan surgical treatment. Herein we report a case of a 29-year-old female who presented with left-sided pelvic and flank pain. Imaging revealed left obstructive uropathy and a left ureteral mass. She underwent laparotomy and resection of the diseased ureter with primary re-anastomosis. Histology confirmed intrinsic ureteral endometriosis. There was subsequently complete resolution on follow-up imaging, with no permanent loss of renal function.

Gross Ascites Secondary to Endometriosis: A Rare Presentation in Pre-Menopausal Women.

Ascites caused by endometriosis is an unusual phenomenon with approximately 60 cases described since it was first reported in 1954. Moreover, such a case has rarely been reported in the Caribbean literature. Ascites is frequently treated with surgical options that do not preserve fertility. This is due to the association of ascites with gynaecological malignancies in women with elevated serum cancer antigen (CA-125). We describe three cases of severe endometriosis associated with massive ascites, successfully treated with hormonal therapy while preserving fertility.