Intracervical intracapsular myomectomy using loop ligation: a proposed technique

A combination of two novel ligation techniques for complicated laparoscopic intraligamental myomectomy

OBJECTIVE

To perform laparoscopic myomectomy by combining two novel ligation techniques for a large lateral intraligamental myoma.

DESIGN

A step-by-step explanation of the surgical procedure using a video with narration.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 39-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) presented with an asymptomatic pelvic mass. Sonographic imaging revealed a 10-cm subserous myoma from the right lateral uterine isthmus wall. Laparoscopic exploration revealed a large myoma growing from the right lateral cervical isthmus wall toward the broad ligament. It was protruding into the pararectal space with duplicated ureters.

INTERVENTION(S)

For such a large lateral intraligamental myoma, any conventional approach has the potential to cause massive bleeding and accidental injuries. We devised and implemented a preventative strategy for intraoperative bleeding by combining two novel ligation techniques used in laparoscopic myomectomy. We made an incision at the posterior leaf of the broad ligament and exposed the myometrium enveloping the fibroid and the base of the fibroid. Then we performed an incision 2 cm away from the right lower edge of the fibroid base, opening the myometrium and pseudocapsule. We applied two novel ligation techniques that ligate the pedicle on the left of the fibroid and the pseudocapsule on the right of the fibroid. Enucleation and loop tightening were implemented simultaneously. The entire pseudocapsule and most of the myometrium enveloping the fibroid were ligated in the loop knot. Only a small portion of the myometrium on the right side was outside the loop knot, which required electrocoagulation. Loop ligation was performed twice more for reinforcement in the same location. The peritoneum was then closed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Laparoscopic myomectomy was completed successfully for a large lateral intraligamental myoma using our novel technique.

RESULT(S)

The surgery lasted 110 min, and the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 150 mL. The patient had a normal postoperative course.

CONCLUSION(S)

Combining two novel ligation techniques in laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe and efficient surgical choice. This technique has obvious advantages in large, broad ligament myomas, reducing bleeding and avoiding unintentional injuries, even in duplicated ureters. Furthermore, this technique is not limited by the device and does not increase the cost of surgery.