[Abdominal pregnancy. Case report and review of the literature]

Two cases of abdominal pregnancy are presented. Since this type of pregnancy has an incidence rate of 1.6% of all ectopic pregnancies only, it must be classified as a rare occurrence. Even more so, an advanced abdominal pregnancy with a viable foetus is an absolute rarity. The most frequent signs are abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, unclear blood loss, and painful foetal movements. If the diagnosis is clear in an early stage of pregnancy, rapid laparotomy is mandatory. In advanced pregnancy with viable foetus, the viability must be improved under clinical control. After delivery, management of the placenta is the greatest problem. The best results are obtained if the placenta can be removed safely. If it must be left in situ, the effectivity of methotrexate therapy has not been established.