Metachronic distal rectovaginal septum metastasis with prior laparoscopic anterior resection for proximal rectal carcinoma

J Surg Case Rep. 2023 May 20;2023(5):rjad303. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjad303. eCollection 2023 May.

Abstract

Metastatic disease in the vagina of other origins such as rectal cancer is rare and only very few cases have been reported. A female patient developed an isolated metachronic metastasis located at the lower part of the rectovaginal septum, 8 months after curative resection for proximal rectal cancer. An excision of the tumour was performed with primary closure of the vaginal wall. Histopathological examination confirmed the solid tumour to be metastatic disease from rectal origin with free margins. A year later, the patient received a lobectomy of the left lower lobe, due to distant metastasis of rectal origin 2 years after primary surgery. The patient is currently 4 years postoperatively, alive and shows no sign on recurrent disease. This case illustrates that awareness and early recognition of this rare presentation can lead to adequate treatment plans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports