ANATOMICAL VARIATION IN THE RUDIMENTARY HORNS OF A UNICORNUATE UTERUS- IMPLICATIONS FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

A case of laparoscopic excision of a rudimentary horn is presented. Th e anatomical features of this case are contrasted with others in the p ublished literature. A 23 year old nulligravida presented with severe dysmenorrhoea and a pelvic mass. At laparoscopy a unicornuate uterus w ith a rudimentary horn was identified. The patient had stage III endom etriosis. The rudimentary horn was attached to the unicornuate uterus by a band of tissue. The blood supply was identified within this band of tissue. The rudimentary horn was removed laparoscopically with no c omplications. There are two anatomical variations in the attachment of the rudimentary horn to the unicornuate uterus. Knowledge of both typ es is important to avoid complications such as bleeding and possible c ompromise of myometrial wall thickness.