Vaginal vault metastasis - the new enigma in port site recurrences in gynecological laparoscopic surgeries

• Published in: Gynecology and minimally invasive therapy 2016-08, Vol.5 (3), p.116-119
• Main Authors: Chitrathara, K., Dr, Khan, Azima, Sreedharan, Neetha, Dr, Shriya, Neha, Dr, Raj, Simi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: gynecological laparoscopic surgeries; Obstetrics and Gynecology; port recurrence; vaginal vault recurrence
• ISSN: 2213-3070
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gmit.2015.06.003

Abstract Objective To determine the frequency of vaginal vault recurrences in comparison with other port-site recurrences following unplanned laparoscopic surgical treatment for gynecological malignancies. Design Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of 8 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures for different gynecological malignancies. Results Eight patients were identified to have port site recurrences. Out of these seven had undergone laparoscopic surgery for ovarian tumor and were reported to be malignant with the exception of one which was a borderline ovarian tumour.One case was done for fibroid uterus which later turned out to be a leiomyosarcoma.Vaginal vault recurrence was seen in four out of eight cases and only one patient could be saved. Where as out of the four cases with other port recurrences,three patients are in complete remission till date. Conclusion Apart from other port recurrences vaginal vault is a potential site of recurrence. But it is more significant as it results in greater morbidity and carries a worse prognosis than other port recurrences.