RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are independent causes of infertility/subfertility in women of reproductive age. Primary umbilical endometriosis is rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here, we report a case of primary umbilical endometriosis coexisting with multiple uterine fibroids in a 35 year old nulliparous woman who presented with abdominal swelling as well as cyclical pain and swelling of the umbilicus without any previous surgery. She had abdominal myomectomy and excision of the umbilical lesion with histological confirmation of uterine fibroids and umbilical and peri-umbilical endometriosis. DISCUSSION: Primary umbilical endometriosis should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in cases of umbilical disorders even if the patient has no typical symptoms of pelvic endometriosis. The clinical features include an umbilical swelling (90%), often associated with cyclical pain (81.5%) and bleeding or discharge (49.2%); while some patients may be asymptomatic. The diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis could be made based on clinical findings but histological confirmation is the gold standard for diagnosis. The definitive treatment for umbilical endometriosis is surgical excision. CONCLUSION: Although rare, primary umbilical endometriosis may coexist with uterine fibroids and should be suspected in women of reproductive age who complain of cyclical umbilical disorders in addition to abdominal swelling or other symptoms of uterine fibroids.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Gossypiboma denotes a mass of cotton retained in the body following surgery. Migration of gossypiboma from initial site is a rare entity and could pose some diagnostic difficulties. Migration of gauze sponge has been reported to occur in several organs of the body. There have been few reported cases but the true incidence may be much higher due to under reporting for fear of litigation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present an unusual case of a 58-year-old grand multiparous woman who had gauze retention for 5 years following a hysterectomy and presented with acute urinary symptoms. The gauze sponge transmigrated from the peritoneal cavity to the bladder and was partially extruded through the external urethral meatus. She had laparotomy for the removal of gauze sponge with good outcome. DISCUSSION: Retained foreign body especially surgical sponges (gossypiboma) infrequently occurs and can be a source of great concern to the surgeon and patient. Foreign bodies inside the body cavities and organs can present with several non-specific clinical features that can make diagnosis difficult. Migration of surgical sponge (gauze, mops) into the urinary bladder is uncommon when compared to other abdominal and pelvic viscus. A gossypiboma in the peritoneal cavity creates a fistulous tract through the thick wall of the urinary bladder from long period of chronic inflammation as seen in the index case where the previous surgery was performed 5 years prior to onset of symptoms. Due to the non-specific presentations of gossypiboma, especially those in the bladder, several investigative modalities need to be employed to help make a prompt diagnosis. Most long-standing cases would require laparotomy due to the dense adhesions that occur around the site of the gossypiboma. Lack of appropriate diagnosis leaves the patient with recurrence of distressful symptoms and the consequent morbidities. CONCLUSION: Transmigration of a gauze sponge over 5 years from the peritoneal cavity into the urinary bladder and through the external urethral meatus following a hysterectomy is a rare occurrence and can present diagnostic difficulties. High index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis and management will help reduce the high morbidity that is associated with the condition as in the case reported.