Fertility-Preserving Surgical Management of a Cesarean Section Scar Ectopic Pregnancy

Abstract

Study objective: To demonstrate techniques used for fertility-preserving surgical management of a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy.

Design: A narrated video case report demonstrating techniques and surgical approach.

Setting: With the increasing number of cesarean deliveries being performed, cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies (CSEP) have an increasing incidence affecting approximately 1 in 2000 pregnancies. CSEP can be associated with serious complications, which include maternal hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and even maternal death. This video highlights a case presentation of a 28-year-old G6P4014 with a history of 4 previous cesarean deliveries who presented with a persistent cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy that had failed previous medical management.

Interventions: This video highlights the techniques that allow for fertility-preservation with restoration of normal anatomy as well as minimizing blood loss with a potentially morbid procedure. Techniques used to allow for fertility preservation with restoration of normal anatomy: 1. Utilization of avascular spaces and identification of critical structures to restore anatomy that is often distorted by the CSEP. 2. Limited use of electrosurgery to allow for adequate postoperative healing. 3. Identification of the endometrial cavity to allow for complete removal of the CSEP and isthmocele repair. Techniques used to minimize blood loss: 1. Intracervical injection of dilute vasopressin. 2. Intrauterine injection of dilute vasopressin (20U in 60 cc of injectable saline). 3. Temporary occlusion of bilateral gonadal vessels using surgical clips.

Conclusion: The surgical techniques highlighted in this video allow for the surgical removal of a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy with concurrent repair of the uterine defect, allowing for restoration of normal anatomy. This is a safe and feasible fertility-preserving option that can be performed using a minimally-invasive approach.

Keywords: Operative laparoscopy; Reproductive surgery; Uterine preservation, Isthmocele repair.