Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy for vaginal malignant melanoma with cervical metastasis

The presented case is a 63-years-old multiparous woman admitted with the complaint of postmenopausal bleeding. On gynecologic examination multifocal lesions were detected, including 1 cm on lateral vaginal wall, 4 cm on posterior vaginal wall and 0.5 cm on the left lateral part of the cervix. Histopathology examination gave a diagnosis of epithelioid malignant melanoma. Consequently, laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy with bilateral pelvic and inguinofemoral lymph node dissection were planned. On both sides, pararectal and paravesical spaces were created and the ureter was identified. Then, the vesicouterine and vesicovaginal spaces were developed. Uterine artery and superior vesical artery were coagulated, cut and the lateral parametrium was prepared. The left ureter was dissected and the ureteral tunnel was unroofed up to the bladder entrance. Subsequently, the anterolateral parametrium was transected. Then, the infundibulopelvic and sacrouterine ligaments were sealed and transected. At this time, the rectovaginal space was developed. Bilateral paracolpos were transected. The endopelvic fascia with the levator muscles were sealed and cut circumferentially. Anteriorly, the pubovesicocervical fascia was transected and the bladder was mobilized up to the uretrovesical junction. Thereafter, through a vaginal approach, the cervix and vagina were inverted by grasping the cervix with a tenaculum. An incision on the posterior vaginal wall at the introitus was made and the urogenital diaphragm was dissected to connect with the pelvic cavity. The vaginal entrance was cut circumferentially and the surgical specimen was extracted. In conclusion, laparoscopy can be considered as a feasible approach for radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy in selected patients.