Anatomical variation in the rudimentary horns of a unicornuate uterus: Implications for laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

A case of laparoscopic excision of a rudimentary horn is presented. The anatomical features of this case are contrasted with others in the published literature. A 23 year old nulligravida presented with severe dysmenorrhoea and a pelvic mass. At laparoscopy a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn was identified. The patient had stage III endometriosis. The rudimentary horn was attached to the unicornuate uterus by a band of tissue. The blood supply was identified within this band of tissue. The rudimentary horn was removed laparoscopically with no complications. There are two anatomical variations in the attachment of the rudimentary horn to the unicornuate uterus. Knowledge of both types is important to avoid complications such as bleeding and possible compromise of myometrial wall thickness.