Cited by 4Endometriosis Research and TreatmentGynecological conditions and treatmentsEctopic Pregnancy Diagnosis and Management

Scar endometriosis presenting as a painful abdominal mass

Open access
Hsu, Sheng-Der, Chen, Li-Yung·2020·Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Therapy

Abstract

Abdominal wall scar endometriosis occurs in 1%-2% of women following a cesarean section delivery. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with scar endometriosis, presenting with an acute, painful abdominal wall mass. She underwent a cesarean section 8 years before presentation. She was admitted to the emergency room for physical examination of the abdomen, which revealed a palpable mass. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an ill-defined soft-tissue lesion over the left rectus abdominis muscle (abdominal scar). Surgical removal of the abdominal wall mass was performed with adequate clearance margins with a preoperative diagnosis of postcesarean scar endometriosis. Postcesarean scar endometriosis is a rare cause of an abdominal mass; however, when this condition presents acutely, it can be difficult to diagnose. In this case, careful analysis of the patient's history, CT images, and histopathological results together confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia while maintaining adequate clearance margins.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

A 36-year-old woman presented with an acute painful abdominal wall mass 8 years after cesarean section, initially suspected as incisional hernia or stitch granuloma, and was diagnosed with scar endometriosis after surgical excision and histopathology. The case supports considering endometriosis in women with abdominal masses after gynecologic surgery and treating suspected cases with wide surgical excision.

Key findings

  • Abdominal wall scar endometriosis occurs in 1%–2% of women after cesarean section; endometriosis overall has a prevalence of 5%–10% in young women.
  • The patient had a cesarean section 8 years earlier, with pain near the incision for 2–3 years that was intermittent, positional, and worsened during menstruation; CT showed an ill-defined soft-tissue lesion over the left rectus abdominis muscle.
  • Most patients with abdominal scar endometriosis present with a mass (96%) and pain (87%), but preoperative differentiation from other abdominal masses is difficult, with a diagnostic rate of 20%–50%.
  • Surgical excision under general anesthesia with adequate clearance margins was performed; the patient was discharged 3 days after surgery, had no complications in 30 postoperative days, and had no recurring symptoms at 6-month follow-up.

Methods

  • Single case report of a 36-year-old woman with a history of cesarean section, evaluated by physical examination, laboratory tests, abdominal CT, surgery, and histopathology.
  • The abdominal wall mass was removed under general anesthesia; the fascia was closed with 2-0 Vicryl and skin with 3-0 Nylon sutures.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed by final pathology showing endometriosis in muscle tissue, with H&E staining; follow-up included outpatient wound assessment and a 6-month symptom check.

Limitations

  • The paper states no limitations.
  • Evident from the text: this is a single case report, so findings are not generalizable and no comparative analysis is possible.
  • Evident from the text: follow-up was only 6 months, which limits assessment of long-term recurrence; the figure caption states the lesion invaded the right rectus abdominis muscle while the case text says left rectus abdominis muscle.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.4103/gmit.gmit_74_18

Cites

9 of 9 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 12 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The patient had undergone a cesarean section 8 years before presentation.

    “She underwent a cesarean section 8 years before presentation.”
    • Also stated in: § CASE REPORT · plain
      “Her medical history was remarkable only for a cesarean section performed 8 years ago.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    After the cesarean section, the incision healed without symptoms for 5 years.

    “Following the cesarean section, the incision was healed without any symptoms presented for 5 years.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    No recurring symptoms were noted in the 6-month follow-up.

    “No recurring symptoms were noted in the 6-month follow-up.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Physical examination revealed a bulging, palpable, nonmovable lesion with local tenderness in the left lower abdominal region, similar to an incisional hernia.

    “In the emergency room, we performed physical examination and showed a bulging, palpable, and nonmovable lesion with local tenderness in the left lower abdominal region similar to an incisional hernia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The patient experienced pain in her left lower abdomen near the incision for 2-3 years before seeking treatment.

    “Before seeking treatment, the woman experienced pain in her left lower abdomen near the incision for 2–3 years without any gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 13
  • May combine two claims. 6
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The patient presented with abdominal pain.

    “A 36-year-old woman presented at our clinic with abdominal pain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The patient was a 36-year-old woman.

    “A 36-year-old woman presented at our clinic with abdominal pain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    In our case, a diagnosis of incisional hernia was suspected before imaging was conducted.

    “In our case, a diagnosis of incisional hernia was suspected before imaging was conducted.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Laboratory data showed a normal white blood cell count.

    “Although the laboratory data showed a normal range of white blood cell count”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Recently, the patient's symptoms got worse and became excruciating pain.

    “Recently, her symptoms got worse and became excruciating pain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Following the CT scan, postcesarean section scar formation or stitch granuloma was suspected.

    “Following the CT scan, postcesarean section scar formation or stitch granuloma was suspected.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Preoperative diagnostic tests, including blood tests and chest radiography, revealed no obvious abnormalities.

    “Preoperative diagnostic tests, including blood tests and chest radiography, revealed no obvious abnormalities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The patient's pain was intermittent, could be induced by changing body position, and worsened during her menstrual period.

    “Her pain presented intermittent pattern and could be induced by changing body position and worsened during her menstrual period.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The surgical wound healed gradually, and no complications occurred in the postoperative 30 days.

    “During the outpatient follow-up, the surgical wound had gradually healed, and no complications occurred in the postoperative 30 days.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The patient was discharged 3 days after the procedure.

    “The patient was discharged 3 days after the procedure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    During surgery, dense tissue in the rectus abdominis muscle with some residual blood clots was noted.

    “During the surgery, we noted a dense tissue in the rectus abdominis muscle with some residual blood clots.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Abdominal wall scar endometriosis occurs in 1%-2% of women following a cesarean section delivery.

    “Abdominal wall scar endometriosis occurs in 1%–2% of women following a cesarean section delivery.”
    • Also stated in: § INTRODUCTION · plain
      “Abdominal wall scar endometriosis is found in 1%–2% of women following cesarean section.[3]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3] Gidwaney, 2012, Endometriosis of abdominal and pelvic wall scars: Multimodality imaging findings, pathologic correlation, and radiologic mimics, Radiographics source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Most patients with abdominal scar endometriosis present with a mass (96%) and pain (87%).

    “Most patients with abdominal scar endometriosis present with a mass (96%) and pain (87%).[5]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Horton, 2008, Abdominal wall endometriosis: A surgeon's perspective and review of 445 cases, Am J Surg source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationcitation

    Wide surgical excision with clear margins is recommended for suspected endometriosis to prevent localized recurrence.

    “In clinical practice, we recommend performing a wide surgical excision with clear margins for suspected endometriosis to prevent localized recurrence.[9]”
    • Also stated in: § CONCLUSION · plain
      “Following the diagnosis, wide surgical excision was performed keeping adequate clearance margins to prevent recurrence of endometriosis as the definitive treatment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] Francica, 2003, Abdominal wall endometriomas near cesarean delivery scars: Sonographic and color doppler findings in a series of 12 patients, J Ultrasound Med source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fine-needle aspiration biopsy guided by imaging is not always successful, thus necessitating further surgical intervention to directly obtain a pathological specimen.

    “However, fine-needle aspiration biopsy guided by imaging is not always successful,[9] thus necessitating further surgical intervention to directly obtain a pathological specimen.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] Francica, 2003, Abdominal wall endometriomas near cesarean delivery scars: Sonographic and color doppler findings in a series of 12 patients, J Ultrasound Med source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Oh et al. reported nine patients with abdominal wall endometriosis, six of whom visited the general surgery clinic with suspected diagnoses of desmoid tumor, epidermal cyst, granuloma in the postoperative scar, or endometriosis.

    “Oh et al. reported nine patients with abdominal wall endometriosis, six of whom visited the general surgery clinic with suspected diagnoses of desmoid tumor, epidermal cyst, granuloma in the postoperative scar, or endometriosis.[2]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Oh, 2014, A surgeon's perspective of abdominal wall endometriosis at a caesarean section incision: Nine cases in a single institution, Surg Res Pract

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    20% of cases in one study showed spontaneous abdominal wall endometriosis.

    “However, 20% of cases in one study showed spontaneous abdominal wall endometriosis.[5]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Horton, 2008, Abdominal wall endometriosis: A surgeon's perspective and review of 445 cases, Am J Surg source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Our patient had undergone cesarean section 8 years ago, which can result in endometrial cell implantation in the rectus abdominis muscle.

    “Our patient had undergone cesarean section 8 years ago, which can result in endometrial cell implantation in the rectus abdominis muscle.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Endometrial cells can implant in the rectus abdominis muscle during a previous gynecologic surgery (such as cesarean section) and cause scar endometriosis.
18 of 18
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Endometrial cells can implant in the rectus abdominis muscle during a previous gynecologic surgery (such as cesarean section) and cause scar endometriosis.

    “Abdominal scar endometriosis may be associated with the implantation of endometrial cells during a previous gynecologic surgery.”
    “Our patient had undergone cesarean section 8 years ago, which can result in endometrial cell implantation in the rectus abdominis muscle.”
1 of 1

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Figure 1 places the lesion on the opposite side

    Minor

    The Figure 1 caption says the lesion invaded the right rectus abdominis muscle, but the case report locates the mass in the left rectus sheath region and cites the same figure.

  • Preoperative diagnosis differs between abstract and case report

    Minor

    The abstract states that scar endometriosis was diagnosed preoperatively, whereas the discussion says scar formation or stitch granuloma was suspected after CT. The case report says the final pathology revealed endometriosis.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 10 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. American, 2000, ACOG practice bulletin.Clinical management guidelines for obstetrician-gynecologists, Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 183

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Hsu, S.-D., & Chen, L.-Y.
Affiliations
Tri-Service General Hospital (TW)
Corresponding author
Hsu, Sheng-Der
Venue
Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Therapy
Publisher
Medknow
Published
2020
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages
98
ISSN
2213-3070 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3020010489
Cited by
4
References
10
Citations by year
2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1
FWCI
0.66
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-sa
Locations
  • Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Therapy (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Endometriosis Research and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Gynecological conditions and treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis and Management
Keywords
scar endometriosis, abdominal wall mass, cesarean section, rectus abdominis, surgical excision, histopathological diagnosis, computed tomography

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