A Surgeon's Perspective of Abdominal Wall Endometriosis at a Caesarean Section Incision: Nine Cases in a Single Institution

The clinical features and long-term surgical outcomes of different types of abdominal wall endometriosis

PURPOSE

To classify abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) according to the invasive levels of tissue mass, and to compare the differences in clinical characteristics between different types of AWE.

METHODS

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 367 patients who had undergone resection of abdominal-wall endometriotic lesions at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2008 to December 2018, and we divided the patients into three types according to their deepest level of lesion invasion. Type I designated invasion of skin and subcutaneous tissue; type II, of fascia and rectus abdominis; and type III, of peritoneum. We classified, compared, and analyzed the general conditions, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, surgical conditions, postoperative conditions, and recurrence status of patients.

RESULTS

Of the 367 patients, type I patients accounted for 13.62%, type II patients for 56.68%, and type III for 29.7%. With respect to group comparisons, we observed that as the location of the mass deepened, the rate of concurrent pelvic endometriosis increased (P = 0.007), recurrent AWE was augmented (P = 0.02), the size of the mass increased (P < 0.001), the rate of multiple lesions became elevated (P < 0.001), the rate of mesh implantation increased (P < 0.001), the length of postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.001) was lengthened, the number of postoperative fever cases (P = 0.006) increased, and the risk of drainage placement (P < 0.001) was enhanced. The 5-year cumulative recurrence rate was 3.3%, and there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate among various types of AWE.

CONCLUSION

Type III AWE carries more severe clinical manifestations, larger lesion size, longer operative time, greater intraoperative surgical difficulty, higher necessity of mesh implantation, and longer postoperative recovery process. Complete resection of AWE lesion is the main therapeutically approach and shows relatively low long-term recurrency rate.

Scar Endometriosis Presenting as a Painful Abdominal Mass

Abdominal wall scar endometriosis occurs in 1%–2% of women following a cesarean section delivery. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with scar endometriosis, presenting with an acute, painful abdominal wall mass. She underwent a cesarean section 8 years before presentation. She was admitted to the emergency room for physical examination of the abdomen, which revealed a palpable mass. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an ill-defined soft-tissue lesion over the left rectus abdominis muscle (abdominal scar). Surgical removal of the abdominal wall mass was performed with adequate clearance margins with a preoperative diagnosis of postcesarean scar endometriosis. Postcesarean scar endometriosis is a rare cause of an abdominal mass; however, when this condition presents acutely, it can be difficult to diagnose. In this case, careful analysis of the patient's history, CT images, and histopathological results together confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia while maintaining adequate clearance margins.

Abdominal wall endometriosis (a narrative review)

One of the rarest forms of endometriosis is abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE), which includes caesarean scar endometriosis. AWE remains a challenging condition because some issues related to this topic are still under debate. The increasing number of caesarean sections and laparotomies will expect to increase the rate of AWE. The current incidence in obstetrical and gynaecological procedures is still unknown. The disease is probably underestimated. The pathogenic mechanism involves local environment at the implant site including local inflammation and metalloproteinases activation due to local growth factors, estrogen stimulation through estrogen receptors and potential epigenetic changes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully explained, and we need more experimental models to understand them. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous; the patient may be seen by a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, a general surgeon, an imaging specialist, or even an oncologist. No particular constellation of clinical risk factors has been identified, and the histological report is the major diagnostic tool for confirmation. Surgery is the first line of therapy. Further on we need protocols for multidisciplinary investigations and approaches.

Abdominal Wall Endometrioma: A Diagnostic Enigma-A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background

Abdominal wall endometriomas are quite uncommon. They are usually misdiagnosed by both the surgeon and the gynaecologist. Awareness of the details of this rare condition is therefore essential for prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Introduction

Endometriosis though a condition commonly seen in the pelvic region can also occur at extrapelvic sites giving rise to a diagnostic dilemma. Abdominal wall endometrioma is one such complex variant of extrapelvic endometriosis with an incidence of less than 2% following gynaecologic operations.

Case Report

A case of abdominal wall endometrioma diagnosed clinically and treated by wide surgical resection is presented to highlight the importance of clinical evaluation in the diagnosis of this condition.

Discussion

The etiopathogenesis, presentation, investigations, and management are discussed briefly.

Conclusion

Clinical evaluation confirmed by supportive imaging is diagnostic. Wide local excision is the mainstay of treatment.

Abdominal Wall Endometrioma: A Diagnostic Enigma-A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Abdominal wall endometriomas are quite uncommon. They are usually misdiagnosed by both the surgeon and the gynaecologist. Awareness of the details of this rare condition is therefore essential for prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment.

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis though a condition commonly seen in the pelvic region can also occur at extrapelvic sites giving rise to a diagnostic dilemma. Abdominal wall endometrioma is one such complex variant of extrapelvic endometriosis with an incidence of less than 2% following gynaecologic operations.

CASE REPORT

A case of abdominal wall endometrioma diagnosed clinically and treated by wide surgical resection is presented to highlight the importance of clinical evaluation in the diagnosis of this condition.

DISCUSSION

The etiopathogenesis, presentation, investigations, and management are discussed briefly.

CONCLUSION

Clinical evaluation confirmed by supportive imaging is diagnostic. Wide local excision is the mainstay of treatment.

The clinical characteristics and surgical approach of scar endometriosis: A case series of 14 women

Scar endometriosis, also referred to as abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE), is a rare form of endometriosis that usually develops in the scar after obstetric or gynecological surgeries, including cesarean section (CS). Recently, the occurrence of scar endometriosis has been increasing together with the increase of CS incidence. Scar endometriosis can be clinically misdiagnosed as hernia, lipoma, or hematoma. Here we retrospectively analyzed the clinical aspects of scar endometriosis and surgical approach in 14 patients from a tertiary hospital, who were treated by surgery, between 2012 and 2017. The mean age was 32.71 ± 8.61 years (range: 19-45). Palpable mass and cyclic pain at the scar site were the most common complaints. Twelve patients had previously undergone CS, and two patients had undergone a surgery of ovarian endometrioma. The preoperative diagnosis was determined with ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT). Preoperatively, scar endometriosis was diagnosed in 12/14 patients (85.7%), while 2 patients (14.3%) were diagnosed with inguinal hernia. The treatment was surgical excision in all patients; in addition, mesh repair surgery was performed in 1 patient with recurrent scar endometriosis. Postoperatively, endometriosis was confirmed by histology in all patients. The average size of endometriomas was 24.71 ± 6.67 mm (range: 11-35). No woman had concurrent pelvic endometriosis. In the follow-up period (mean: 9 months) the recurrence of endometriosis was not observed. Scar endometriosis should be considered in all women of reproductive age presenting with cyclic pain and swelling in their abdominal incision sites.

Cesarean Scar Endometriosis: An Uncommon Surgical Complication on the Rise? Case Report and Literature Review

Endometriosis is defined by the presence and growth of ectopic functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Scar endometriosis has been described following obstetrical and gynecological surgery. It is a rare condition, though probably on the rise, due to the considerable increase of cesarean sections performed worldwide. Its physiopathology is complex; its symptomatology is rich and diverse but thorough clinical examination along with ultrasound imaging and potentially pretherapeutic cytologic evaluation are usually efficient in diagnosing the condition. Treatment is mostly surgical. We report the case of a cesarean section scar endometriosis, managed at a tertiary level center and emphasize the diagnosis and treatment options.

Symptomatology and Surgical Perspective of Scar Endometriosis: A Case Series of 16 Women

AIM

The prevalence of scar endometriosis is increasing with the increasing caesarean deliveries and laparoscopic procedures done for pelvic endometriosis. To analyse the symptomatology and surgical perspective of scar endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 16 women who underwent surgery for scar endometriosis in the period of 4 years in Amrita institute of medical sciences.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients is 35.19 years. Mean interval from the index surgery to the presentation is 4.56 years. Mean size of the swelling is 2.84 cm. In 68.8% of the patients, caesarean section was the inciting surgery. 18.7% had port site endometriosis. Cyclical pain and swelling at the scar site was present in 93.8% of the women. 18.9% had concurrent pelvic endometriosis. All women had involvement of the subcutaneous tissue followed by 11 women with the involvement of rectus sheath. There was no recurrence of the lesion in the operated patients in the mean follow-up period of 11.91 months.

CONCLUSION

In all women presenting with cyclical scar site pain and swelling, scar endometriosis should be considered. It commonly follows caesarean section and laparoscopic surgeries done for endometriosis. Wide local excision with or without reconstruction is the method of choice for this condition. Role of tumescent solution during surgery and postoperative medical management to reduce recurrence needs further prospective studies.

Abdominal wall endometrioma: Our experience in Vladimir, Russia

Background:

Endometriosis is defined as an estrogen-dependent, benign inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial implants. Abdominal wall endometrioma (AWE) being a rare entity is a benign tumor defined as ectopic functional, endometrial tissue located in the abdominal wall.

Subjects and Methods:

A retrospective study of 23 female patients treated with AWE in four departments of three centers in Vladimir city, Russia, from January 2010 to December 2014 was performed.

Results:

In twenty patients (87%), AWE was symptomatic, and in three patients (13%), AWE was asymptomatic. Esquivel triad presented in 17 patients (74%), and modified Esquivel triad existed in 20 patients (87%). All 23 patients were operated, and AWE excision was performed. Recurrence occurred in 4 cases (17.4%) and was associated with postoperative pain and seroma.

Conclusion:

Postoperative pain for more than 7 days and seroma (on ultrasonography) seem to be associated with recurrence of AWE.