Rectal ectopic pregnancy diagnosed through laparoscopy and pathological analysis: An extremely rare case report

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Surgical Gynecology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Rectal ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an exceedingly rare condition, often presenting diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms.
• Delayed diagnosis of EP can lead to severe intra-abdominal hemorrhage, a life-threatening complication.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare implantation sites in ectopic pregnancy diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of rectal ectopic pregnancy.
• To highlight the diagnostic difficulties and management strategies for rectal EP.
• To emphasize the role of laparoscopic exploration in identifying concealed ectopic pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• A 40-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of ectopic pregnancy.
• Initial gynecological ultrasound showed findings suspicious for ectopic pregnancy.
• Laparoscopic exploration revealed a rectal wall defect, confirmed as ectopic pregnancy via pathological analysis of pelvic clots.

Main Results:

• Laparoscopic management involved clot evacuation, electrocoagulation, and suture hemostasis of the rectal defect.
• Postoperative treatment included oral mifepristone to prevent residual trophoblastic tissue.
• Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels normalized within three weeks, with no complications during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive laparoscopic exploration is essential for diagnosing ectopic pregnancies, especially in atypical locations like the rectal wall.
• Pathological confirmation is critical for identifying rare ectopic implantation sites.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital for managing life-threatening rectal ectopic pregnancy.