Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS): a Rare Anomaly the General Surgeon Must Know About

Indian J Surg. 2015 Jun;77(3):217-21. doi: 10.1007/s12262-013-1029-7. Epub 2014 Jan 3.

Abstract

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is a rare condition occasionally encountered in men with normal phenotype but with presence of Müllerian duct structures. In India, owing to neglect and lack of facilities, we encounter this condition in adult males. We encountered on the same day in the operation theatre two phenotypic males aged 40 years and 10 months who had inguinal hernia on one side along with contralateral undescended testis. Both patients intraoperatively had uterus with fallopian tubes and underwent subtotal hysterectomy with preservation of vas. Repair of inguinal hernia with fixation of the testis in the scrotum was done. Though rare, every surgeon operating upon inguinal hernia or undescended testes or cryptorchidism needs to know about the presence of the uterus in a phenotypic male patient at any age. High degree of suspicion and awareness is needed to diagnose this condition. Early treatment is needed to maintain fertility and to prevent the occurrence of malignancy in remnant müllerian structures.

Keywords: Inguinal hernia; Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome; Phenotypic male; Subtotal hysterectomy; Undescended testis; Uterus.

Publication types

  • Review