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Updated: May 25, 2026

Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma
Published on: January 22, 2022
Complex ovarian pregnancy
Costanza Chiapponi1, Oria Trifoglio, Roberto Chiapponi
1From the Department of Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany; and the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Santi Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital of Alessandria, and Santo Spirito Hospital, Alessandria, Italy.
Background:
Ovarian pregnancy is a rare occurrence. Normally it ends spontaneously in the first trimester. However, it can turn into a life-threatening condition if it ruptures, leading to hemoperitoneum and hypovolemic shock. Diagnosis usually is made with high-resolution transvaginal ultrasonography, and laparoscopic treatment follows.
Case:
We report on a case of ovarian pregnancy seen in the southeast of Madagascar. Laparotomy revealed the presence of a fully developed, mummified fetus in the right ovary. Surprisingly, the ovary capsule had not ruptured and the patient had no complaints or signs of intra-abdominal bleeding.
Conclusion:
In rare cases, an aborted ovarian pregnancy can persist for years, producing no symptoms except abdominal swelling.
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