Challenging Surgical Management of Giant Uterine Leiomyomas With Ileal Resection: A Clinical Case Study

Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are common benign tumors of the uterus, generally asymptomatic but potentially causing severe symptoms and complications in some cases, as demonstrated in this report. This case presents significant management challenges due to the fibroids' size, number, and location, including an unusual complication involving adhesion to the ileum. A 40-year-old female with a history of P2L1D1 and no significant comorbidities presented with three months of progressive abdominal pain and a rapidly enlarging mass resembling a 30- to 32-week gravid uterus and heavy menstrual bleeding. Clinical findings included severe anemia with a hemoglobin level of 5.5 g/dL. Imaging studies revealed a bulky uterus with numerous multilobulated, well-defined, solid, hypoechoic fibroids subserosally and intramurally, raising suspicions of sarcomatous conversion. The patient underwent a laparotomy, which involved the resection of multiple large subserosal fibroids and a total abdominal hysterectomy, necessitated by extensive uterine distortion and the patient's preference against fertility preservation. A significant intraoperative discovery was the adhesion of fibroids to the ileum, which required bowel resection and anastomosis. This case emphasizes the complexity of managing extensive uterine fibroids, highlighting the need for thorough preoperative assessment, preparation for potential intraoperative complications, and the importance of a multidisciplinary surgical approach. The successful management and uneventful recovery underscore the effectiveness of proactive and comprehensive surgical intervention in cases with significant fibroid burden and associated anatomical challenges.