Laparoscopic Dissection of Extensive Secondary Disseminated Peritoneal Leiomyomatosis

To demonstrate a minimal invasive surgical (MIS) technique for curative excision of extensive secondary disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL).

The Institutional Review Board of Human Investigation and Ethics Committee of Chang Gung Medical Foundation ruled that approval was not required for this study.

Woman aged 46 years.

In MIS the myoma has to be divided into small fragments for piecemeal retrieval through a small incision [1] with a widely used technique called morcellation (confined or unconfined) [2]. DPL is a rare sequellae after laparoscopic morcellation. Because this entity is rarely reported, this video demonstrates laparoscopic technique for safe removal of DPL post laparoscopic myomectomy and morcellation. A 46-year-old woman with a past history of laparoscopic myomectomy with specimen retrieval by a power morcellation 8 years ago presented with abdominal discomfort. Computed tomography revealed multiple iso-dense lesions in the uterine corpus and pelvic cavity. Upon laparoscopy multiple nodules were identified at the previous myomectomy scar, pelvic peritoneum, ovarian surface, and over the small bowel. A total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy along with excision of all visible lesions was performed.

In this video we demonstrate a safe retroperitoneal approach for complete excision of DPL. Laparoscopic hysterectomy or myomectomy with unconfined morcellation appears to be associated with the risk of DPL [3]. Complete tissue fragment retrieval will minimize the sequelae of morcellation. Hence, myoma remnants should be carefully extracted and confined morcellation should be considered. Because DPL causes significant distortion of pelvic anatomy, thorough knowledge of pelvic surgical anatomy and retroperitoneal approach for complete excision of all lesions is recommended.