Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix after laparoscopic surgery. A case report

Abstract

Background: Although more than 50 cases of recurrence at the sites of cannula insertion after laparoscopy for malignant tumors have been reported in the literature, the majority were adenocarcinoma. We report a case of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis and abdominal wall metastases of the trocar site after laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

Case: A 47-year-old woman underwent curative, laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for treating squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, stage IB. The postoperative course was uneventful until two months later when abdominal recurrences at the trocar site and diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis were noted. Pathology proved recurrent intraperitoneal squamous cell carcinoma with invasion of the abdominal port site.

Conclusion: This case further alerts gynecologic oncologists of the potential risks of laparoscopic surgery for potentially curable gynecologic malignancies.