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Embolization for advanced abdominal pregnancy with a retained placenta. A case report
Richard J Cardosi1, Anna C Nackley, Jorge Londono
1Divisions of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|November 7, 2002
Summary
Management of retained placenta in abdominal pregnancy can be challenging. Embolizing placental vasculature before surgery is a viable option to preserve fertility and manage the placenta in situ.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Surgical Gynecology
Background:
- Abdominal pregnancy is a rare obstetric complication.
- Management of the placenta in abdominal pregnancy remains controversial.
- Preserving fertility is a key consideration in management decisions.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old woman with a fetal demise at 33 weeks' gestation presented with abdominal pregnancy.
- Preoperative embolization of placental vasculature was performed.
- The placenta was intentionally left in situ after fetal delivery due to its implantation on reproductive organs.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a prolonged postoperative ileus but recovered well.
- Placental function ceased spontaneously after two months.
- Placental vasculature embolization was effective in managing the retained placenta.
Implications:
- Vascular embolization of the placenta is a potential management strategy for retained placentas in abdominal pregnancies.
- This approach may help preserve fertility in select cases.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal protocols for this management technique.