An 18-year-old primigravida was admitted to hospital complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. An ultrasound examination suggested the diagnosis of advanced abdominal pregnancy and this was confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging. Two days later she underwent operative delivery of a live fetus. The placenta was left in situ as it was attached to a large number of pelvic structures. Such surgery can result in maternal death due to massive haemorrhage as there is no mechanism to stem blood loss from the placental bed. Death can also occur in the post-partum period from septic complications if the placenta is left in situ. The management of such patients requires personnel and equipment to deal with massive and rapid haemorrhage; aortic cross clamping may be required to control bleeding. In this case, surgery and recovery were uneventful.