Introduction

Hysterectomy is the most common surgery performed in Gynecology. It is performed for both benign and malignant conditions. Some of the common indications for hysterectomy are fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, uterovaginal prolapse. Uterine fibroids account for almost one-third of the hysterectomies performed [1]. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the next common indication [1]. As with all types of surgeries, hysterectomy can sometimes cause complications.

They can be early complications like hemorrhage, infections, genitourinary and gastrointestinal injuries, anesthesia-related complications or delayed complications like vaginal vault prolapse which can occur after years of performing the surgery. Very rarely, prolapse of the bowel [2], ovary and bladder through vaginal vault can occur. Prolapse of the ovarian cyst through vaginal vault has so far not been reported in the world literature. The present case report was of a rare case of ovarian cyst prolapse through the vaginal vault ten years after hysterectomy. Ovarian cysts enlarge to large size especially ovarian tumors like serous or mucinous cystadenomas.

Case Report

Mrs. X, 35 years female married for 20 years, an agricultural laborer by occupation, presented with pain lower abdomen and low backache for the last one year. The pain was intermittent, aggravated by work, used to get relief by medication and rest. H/o sticky watery discharge per vagina for a period of 8-9 months associated with itching. No dyspareunia. Hysterectomized 10 years back.

Past History: Nil Significant.

Menstrual history: Age of menarche 12 years, Menstrual History 5/30 regular, moderate flow, no dysmenorrhea.

Obstetric History: P3L3, all were normal deliveries, not tubectomised, last childbirth 15 years ago.

Past Surgical History: Hysterectomy ten years back. Right ovarian cystectomy was done three years back.

Personal / Family History: Nil significant

P/A: Both laparotomies scars were vertical and healthy.

Fig-1: MRI – Contrast-enhanced showed Huge complex cystic mass – 10.9 cm x 8.3 cm x 9.1 cm in the pelvis prolapsing through the cervical stump (Ovarian cyst prolapsing through cervical stumpor), through the vaginal vault).A cyst of size 4 cm also noted in the left ovary appearing to be a benign lesion.

Fig-2: Laparotomy was done for the diagnosis of post-hysterectomy ovarian cyst.

Intraoperative findings: Right side retroperitoneal cystic mass of 10x4 cm identified. Left side ovarian cyst of 5x4 cm identified. Gaping in the vaginal vault was seen.

Operative procedure: A cystic mass of 10x4cms in right iliac fossa retroperitoneally seen. A cystic mass of 5x4 cms seen in Left iliac fossa. Both masses were adherent anteriorly to the bladder, adhesions released carefully from the bladder. Ureter identified and separated from the mass at its lower 1/3^rd.

The mass was histologically confirmed as mucinous cystadenoma postoperatively.

The incidence of Mucinous cystadenomas is 15% of all ovarian tumors [4,5]. These are rare before puberty [6] and after menopause (6) 80% are benign and 10% are malignant and 10% are borderline. The most frequent complications are torsion, hemorrhage, rupture, pseudo myxomatous peritonei. 10% are bilateral [7]. Recurrence is common [8]. Mucinous cystadenoma sometimes grows to the size of 10 to 30cm and they may infiltrate locally to the surrounding structures.

Histologically there may be pockets of foci of malignancy and always a chance to miss. Previously there was an opinion that appendicectomy to be done when laparotomy is attempted for mucinous cystadenoma. But recent concept is that it is not necessary.

Hence, the present have not done appendicectomy. In our case, the right ovary is involved, and tumor size was about 10cm and was complex cyst with multiple septae and benign in nature histologically. The tumor was densely adherent to the right ureter and there was a gap noticed in the vault. The tumor also invaded the vault and presented as mass per vagina and with gelatinous mucinous discharge.

With the help of urologist, the dense adhesions of lower 1/3^rd right ureter were released. After releasing adhesions from ureter and vault, redundant vault, the ovarian mass was excised.

Conclusion

A mass per vagina in a hysterectomised patient needs to be investigated with ultrasonography and whenever necessary MRI/CT and also Laparoscopy to study the relationship of the mass with the surrounding pelvic organs (bowel, ureter) before planning for surgery.

Ideally, the ovarian tumor should be managed by a multidisciplinary team that consists of a Gynaecologist/Surgical oncologist/Urologist/Radiologist and Pathologist.

Acknowledgments

Authors sincerely thank Dr. K Prabha Devi, MD, DGO, Professor and HOD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NRI Medical College, for her suggestions to prepare this case report.