Endometriosis on laparotomy scar

Abstract 

Endometriosis of surgical scar is a rare late complication of cesarean section. 3 cases of endometriosis after Pfannenstiel-type laparotomy are reported. The typical surgical presentation, present in all 3 cases, is a nodule on laparotomy scar after cesaren section, spontanously painful during the menstrual period. Ultrasound, performed in two cases, and cytological examination, performed in one, proved to be ineffective in establishing the diagnosis. The histopathological analysis of surgical specimens revealed in all cases multiple foci of well developed endometrial tissue scattered in a sclerotic stroma. Both stromal and glandular components of the endometrial mucosa were present showing the typical changes of the various phases of the menstrual cycle. In our opinion, an accurate clinical history should directly lead the surgeon to the excision with inclusion of the needle tract, whenever biopsy is performed. Surgical excision is at present the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.