Backround: Uterine myomas are commonly treated with laparoscopic myomectomy or hysterectomy. Morcellation is often required to evacuate tissue through the laparoscopic incisions using a designated morcellator or through extension of a port site with self-retaining retractor and a cold scalpel. Both techniques carry a risk of inadvertently leaving tissue fragments behind.
Case: We present a case of a parasitic fragment of morcellated uterus that became adherent to the small bowel, resulting in severe abdominal pain and requiring exploratory laparotomy and small bowel resection 5 months later.
Conclusion: Gynecologic surgeons should be aware of possible delayed postoperative complications that can result from parasitic myoma fragments inadvertently left behind followinig morcellation.