Surgical Removal of a Gigantic Abdominal Mass

A Multidisciplinary Approach

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 

Ovarian cystadenomas are common benign ovarian neoplasms that rarely present as gigantic abdominal masses. A variety of intraoperative and postoperative challenges may be encountered in the removal of these masses.

CASE: 

We review the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with massive abdominal swelling that was later identified as two distinct bilateral serous cystadenomas with a combined weight of approximately 107 kg. A multidisciplinary team including gynecology, plastic surgery, anesthesiology, and the operating room staff convened before surgery to discuss surgical technique, physiologic considerations, and logistical issues.

CONCLUSION: 

A multidisciplinary approach had an integral role in intraoperative safety and successful recovery of our patient from this surgery.

In Brief

The successful surgical management of giant abdominal masses requires a wellcoordinated multidisciplinary team.