Hysteroscopy-assisted laparoscopic salpingectomy for interstitial pregnancy without cornual resection

Cornual Pregnancy

Cornual pregnancy (CP) is a subtype of ectopic pregnancy that is implanted in the interstitial segment of the fallopian tube which is defined as the tubal section crossing uterine muscular tissue. Widely recognized risk factors for CP are endometriosis, uterine leiomyomata, or pelvic inflammatory disease; all these diseases can cause tubal anatomic changes and consequently alter embryo physiological implant process. Many treatment options are available for this condition each one must be tailored according to patient and operating scenario. The incidence of uterine ruptures in the scarred uterus appears to be low, but the fear of it remains and therefore medical treatment might be favored over cornual wedge resection. The actual risk of uterine rupture after medical treatment is unknown. Multiple testing strategies exist to diagnose CP, but caution needs to be used to avoid a false diagnosis.

Laparoscopically assisted hysteroscopic removal of an interstitial pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate a combined technique of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy for the management of interstitial ectopic pregnancies.

DESIGN

A description of a patient case and demonstration of a surgical technique.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENT(S)

A 33-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 0-0-1-0 status post in vitro fertilization cycle with single embryo transfer, was diagnosed with an unruptured right interstitial pregnancy at 5 weeks of gestation. She has a history of a pregnancy of unknown location with her first in vitro fertilization transfer and received methotrexate. The beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 2,726 mIU/mL. She was counseled on treatment options and declined treatment with methotrexate because of the negative side effects she experienced previously. She opted for surgical management and desired to keep her fallopian tubes if possible because she wished to try for spontaneous conception.

INTERVENTION(S)

The patient underwent multipuncture video laparoscopy, and a bulge was seen at the right cornua. Video hysteroscopy initially revealed an empty uterine cavity. Using atraumatic graspers, the interstitial pregnancy was gently pushed further into the uterine cavity using a milking technique. The pregnancy was then able to be visualized hysteroscopically. Products of conception were gently dislodged and removed with graspers, followed by a suction curettage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

This technique resulted in minimal blood loss, preservation of reproductive organs, and expedient return to conception planning.

RESULT(S)

The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and the patient was discharged the same day as surgery. After the procedure, weekly beta-human chorionic gonadotropin was drawn until the level reached <1 mIU/mL, which occurred after 4 weeks. Hysterosalpingography was performed 2 months after the procedure and demonstrated bilateral tubal patency.

CONCLUSION(S)

In select patients, an early interstitial pregnancy can be safely removed using the described technique. Although hysteroscopic removal of interstitial pregnancies is not a new concept, the addition of simultaneous video laparoscopy provides the benefit of allowing for fertility-sparing removal of the pregnancy, even if it is not initially visualized hysteroscopically. The use of this technique may result in minimal blood loss and preservation of the fallopian tubes. Furthermore, with the myometrium integrity maintained, the patient may resume sooner attempts at conception.

Surgical treatment of interstitial pregnancy without cornual resection: A case report

RATIONALE

Interstitial pregnancy (IP) is a rare but extremely life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy. The traditional surgical treatment for this anomaly is the resection of uterine cornua or fallopian tubes, which often damages their structural integrity, thereby compromising the reproductive potential for women who wish to preserve fertility.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 33-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with suspected ectopic pregnancy, following a 4-weeks history of positive pregnancy tests after uterine evacuation. The patient was hemodynamically stable on arrival. Ultrasound revealed an empty uterus with an eccentric gestational sac located at the fundus and surrounded by a thin myometrium, indicative of a suspected interstitial pregnancy.

DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTION

After failed attempt at medical management with a single dose of intramuscular methotrexate, the patient was arranged for hysteroscopy-assisted laparoscopy. In surgery, the uterine cavity appeared empty, and a 2 × 2 cm bulge with increased vascularity at the right uterine courna was identified upon examination. The gestational sac was aspirated through the vagina from the right ostium of the uterine tube using a suction curette pointing at the right ostium. Sutures were not needed afterward, and the myometrial anatomy was left undisrupted. The diagnosis of IP was confirmed by the postoperative histological report.

OUTCOMES

Perioperative blood loss was approximately 10 ml and the operative time was 40 minutes. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged after 3 days. Subsequent follow-ups showed a significant reduction in the patient serum beta hCG to 48IU/L within 5 days postoperation, and a negative result after 7 days.

LESSONS

This novel surgical technique is an alternative minimally-invasive approach for selected early diagnosed and hemodynamically stable IP patients. The technique represents a safe, quick, and simple approach combining the benefits of laparoscopy, such as allowing for immediate conversion of cornuectomy when uterus ruptures, and the benefits of suction curettage, such as shorter operative time and minimal blood loss. We believe patients with interstitial pregnancy who still have fertility wishes would benefit from this surgical technique to a larger extent in the future.