Giant uterine tumors: two cases with different clinical presentations.

Background: Giant uterine tumors are uncommon. However, they may be life threatening because of pressure effects on the lungs and other adjacent organs. Proper surgical management and careful perioperative care are essential to assure a good outcome after excision.

Case: Two women with giant uterine leiomyomata (weighing more then 40 kg [88 lb]) are discussed. In one case the leiomyoma led to severe pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure necessitating an emergency operation. Abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were successfully carried out in both cases, which are among the largest tumors ever removed with survival of the patient.

Conclusion: Different clinical manifestations can be expected in cases of giant uterine tumors according to which other organs are secondarily affected. Numerous difficulties may be encountered in the evaluation and removal of these tumors. A combined team consisting of gynecologic, general, and plastic surgeons is necessary for a successful outcome.