R0 resection of vaginal stump recurrence of gynecologic malignancy by bi-directional endoscopic approach: A case series of four patients

Vaginal stump recurrence post-hysterectomy for gynecologic malignancies occurs in 2%-3% of cases. Local excision has been recognized as the primary treatment of localized recurrence, in which precise surgical margin is critical. However, R0 resection is not always easy, given the deep and narrow operation field, as well as severe postoperative fibrosis or adhesion of the vaginal stump at times. Here, we report four cases of vaginal stump recurrence of gynecologic malignancies resected by bi-directional (laparoscopic and pneumovaginoscopic) endoscopy to overcome these difficulties. The primary tumors were uterine cancer in two cases and uterine cervical and ovarian cancer in one case each. The mean operating time was 199 (162-235) minutes, blood loss was minimal, and no perioperative complications were observed. Postoperative follow-up (7.0-19.4 months) revealed no recurrence. This combined procedure could be a therapeutic option for localized vaginal stump recurrence.