Laparoscopic Wedge Resection of a Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy at Nine Weeks Gestation

Abstract

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To demonstrate an approach to laparoscopic wedge resection of a cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). <h3>Design</h3> Video abstract. <h3>Setting</h3> Tertiary care Centre. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> This case is of a 40-year-old G6P3, with 3 prior cesarean sections who was referred with a possible ectopic pregnancy at 8+3 weeks gestation after presenting with cramping and irregular bleeding. Following admission to hospital, transvaginal ultrasound revealed a CSP and a type 1 placenta percreta with no bladder involvement. The patient wished for fertility-sparing management which was planned to include pre-operative intragestational methotrexate and uterine artery embolization followed by laparoscopic wedge resection. Before pre-operative interventions could be done, the patient experienced acute vaginal bleeding and she was taken urgently for surgical management. <h3>Interventions</h3> Laparoscopic wedge resection of the CSP. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Laparoscopy revealed bladder adhesions high over the lower uterine segment and the CSP. Wedge resection of the CSP was successfully achieved with restoration of normal anatomy using a systematic approach to lysis of adhesions as well as intraoperative vascular control using dilute vasopressin and pre-emptive skeletonization of the uterine vessels. Surgical blood loss was 100mL. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged home post-operative day 1. The patient's beta HCG levels returned to normal within one month. <h3>Conclusion</h3> CSPs account for approximately 4% of all ectopic pregnancies. Management is individualized and often requires a multi-modal approach. This case demonstrates a safe and successful approach to fertility-sparing laparoscopic wedge resection.