Retrieval of Intra-abdominal Fetal Scalp Electrode 4 Years After Cesarean Birth

Abstract

Background: Fetal scalp electrodes are used routinely for intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring. The electrode is typically removed from the newborn's scalp immediately after vaginal delivery. However, there is no guidance on the timing of fetal scalp electrode removal in the event of an unplanned cesarean delivery.

Case: A 43-year-old woman with a prior cesarean delivery presented for gynecologic care with the chief symptom of chronic abdominal pain for 2 years. Imaging revealed a retained fetal scalp electrode in the abdominal cavity. The patient underwent an uncomplicated surgical extraction of the retained item, and her symptoms resolved.

Conclusion: A standardized protocol to manage and account for fetal scalp electrodes during an unplanned cesarean delivery is an important patient-safety measure to prevent surgical retention of fetal scalp electrodes.