Post-Cesarean Section Abdominal Wall Endometriosis Requiring Surgical Treatment: A Case Series

The abdominal wall is an uncommon site for endometriosis that occurs in the soft tissues of the wound site after laparotomy. The present study reviewed cases of post-cesarean section abdominal wall endometriosis that were surgically treated at our institution from April 2007 to August 2020. We analyzed data from nine patients who were diagnosed with abdominal wall endometriosis and selected surgery after receiving sufficient explanation of hormone therapy and from patients who reported no improvement in symptoms with hormone therapy. Written consent for case reporting was obtained from all patients. The location of abdominal wall endometriosis was at the wound site in seven cases and outside the wound in two cases. In addition, 7/9 (78%) of post-cesarean cases of abdominal wall endometriosis were related to the cesarean procedure, and 6/9 (67%) of the cases had symptoms related to menstruation. Post-cesarean abdominal endometriosis was associated with pain (7/9; 78%) and a palpable mass (3/9; 33%). Surgical resection did not cause large tissue defects, and artificial repairs such as synthetic mesh were not required for any patient. In conclusion, women with a history of a cesarean section who present with recurrent pain or masses in the wound or abdominal wall that coincide with the menstrual cycle should be closely evaluated for abdominal wall endometriosis. Because surgical treatment often requires postoperative wound reconstruction, collaboration with plastic surgeons and dermatologists is essential. (J Nippon Med Sch 2024; 91: 560 & horbar;566)