Laparoscopic management of a large urethral leiomyoma

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: A 42-year-old female presented with a 12-cm mass bulging the anterior vaginal wall and causing urgency urinary incontinence and bulk symptoms.

Methods: Imaging showed a tumor originating from the dorsal and cranial part of the urethra and developing in the vesicouterine space and vesicovaginal septum, dislocating the bladder ventrally and the uterus cranial-dorsally.

Results: Tranvaginal biopsy showed a benign leiomyoma. A laparoscopic approach with development of the vesicouterine space permitted a safe partial morcellation of the myoma. After the bladder and vaginal wall had been completely freed, further caudal dissection was conducted with isolation of the distal cranio-dorsal portion of the urethra. The dissection plane with the vaginal wall was developed up to the caudal margin of the urethral myoma almost corresponding to the vulvar plane, and total excision of the lesion was performed.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of urethral leiomyomas that develop into the vesicouterine space and vesicovaginal septum is feasible and safe also for very large lesions.

Keywords: Benign leiomyoma; Laparoscopy; Urethra; Urethral leiomyoma.