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. Theanatomical features of this case are contrasted with others in thepublished literature. A 23 year old nulligravida presented with severedysmenorrhoea and a pelvic mass. At laparoscopy a unicornuate uterus with arudimentary horn was identified. The patient had stage III endometriosis.The rudimentary horn was attached to the unicornuate uterus by a band oftissue. The blood supply was identified within this band of tissue. Therudimentary horn was removed laparoscopically with no complications. Thereare two anatomical variations in the attachment of the rudimentary horn tothe unicornuate uterus. Knowledge of both types is important to avoidcomplications such as bleeding and possible compromise of myometrial wallthickness.