Laparoscopic blockage of uterine artery in the management of large cornual pregnancy

Abstract

To present a technique of temporary uterine artery clamping before laparoscopic surgery for prevention of blood loss in cornual ectopic pregnancy. Step-by-step explanation of the entire surgical procedure using video and still images (Canadian Task Force classification III). Tertiary university-based hospital. A 37-year-old woman who presented with amenorrhea of 55 days and extremely high β-hCG level of 281,400 mIU/mL. Transvaginal ultrasound examination revealed a 7 cm mass with ample blood supply invading the muscularis layer around the right uterine cornua. Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee approval was obtained. After pelvic adhesiolysis, retroperitoneum was dissected and the bilateral uterine arteries were exposed. To reduce the possibility of massive hemorrhage, titanium clips were used to temporarily block the bilateral uterine arteries. Laparoscopic inspection showed the mass as dark and blue, consistent with the diagnosis of cornual pregnancy. After removal of the cornual lesion, 2-0 Vicryl was used to reconstruct the uterine cornua. At the end of the surgery, the titanium clips were removed to reverse the uterine blood supply. The surgery lasted for about 2 hours, with estimated blood loss of only 50 mL. The patient recovered completely and was discharged 2 days postoperatively, without any further bleeding or postoperative complications. The pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cornual pregnancy. One month later, the β-hCG levels decreased to within normal range. At 6-month postoperative follow-up, ultrasound examination showed a normal size uterus. Temporary blockage of the uterine artery during surgery could prevent heavy blood loss, especially in difficult surgeries such as myomectomy for complex uterus fibromas or adenomyomectomy. Moreover, this technique would be feasible for emergent cases, including conservative surgery for cesarean scar pregnancy, and could also replace traditional uterine artery embolization for treating cornual pregnancy.