Successful laparoscopic treatment of an abdominal pregnancy in the posterior cul-de-sac.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the laparoscopic treatment of a first trimester abdominal pregnancy found in the cul-de-sac between the right uterosacral ligament and the rectum.


METHODS
A 32-year-old female presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain beginning a few hours prior to presentation. The serum betahCG level was 543 mIU/ml. An ultrasound examination revealed an empty uterus, bilateral normal fallopian tubes, and a large quantity of fluid in the pelvis. Secondary to patient symptoms, laparoscopy was performed. After the pelvis was irrigated to remove blood and clot, bilaterally normal fallopian tubes and ovaries were found. Further laparoscopic examination revealed an abdominal pregnancy implanted on the peritoneum between the right uterosacral ligament and the rectum. Hydrodissection was used to help elevate the peritoneum away from adjacent structures, and the products of conception were removed laparoscopically.


CONCLUSIONS
In select first trimester patients with abdominal pregnancies, laparoscopic management can be performed.
Geisler
J P
JP
St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services, Indianipolis, Indiana 46260, USA.
Cline
M
M
Eskew
N
N
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D010388:Pelvis / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011269:Pregnancy, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*