Upper Vaginectomy for Rectovaginal Endometriosis: Manual Guidance for Deep Rectovaginal Dissection

Abstract

<h3>Study Objective</h3> The objective of this video is to demonstrate a robotic-assisted excision of a rectovaginal endometriosis nodule. <h3>Design</h3> This case involves a 31-year-old nulligravid patient with dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, and dyspareunia. <h3>Setting</h3> This surgery was performed at an academic tertiary care center. The patient was in the dorsal lithotomy position and the robot was docked from the patient's left side. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> The patient had a palpable rectovaginal nodule, which was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. <h3>Interventions</h3> The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy which showed bilateral pelvic sidewall endometriosis and cul-de-sac obliteration. The ovaries and fallopian tubes were normal. Pelvic sidewall dissection with extensive peritoneal stripping was required to remove all of the endometriosis implants. Bilateral uterosacral ligaments were excised. Within the posterior cul-de-sac, the rectocervical nodule was not visible due to tethering of the rectum. The rectovaginal space was carefully dissected with monopolar scissors. Despite opening the left para-rectal space, the nodule was still not visible. An assistant placed a single digit into the posterior fornix to mobilize the nodule to guide the surgeon. The surgeon dissected the rectovaginal space until the fibrosis was visualized abdominally. Chocolate cyst fluid was expelled, consistent with deep infiltrating endometriosis. Full-thickness entry into the vagina was required, and the colpotomy was closed with running barbed suture. After complete excision of endometriosis, a flat-tire test was performed to confirm rectal integrity. The surgery was then completed. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> The patient did well and was discharged home from the recovery room. She had significant improvement in her pain, and her recovery proceeded without complications. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This surgical video demonstrates the importance of careful pre-operative planning and intra-operative use of resources to accomplish complete excision of endometriosis. Surgeons often need to be creative when tissue planes are obscured, and the target pathology is not clearly visible.