Intraoperative molar pregnancy crisis

Molar pregnancy is a gestation in which the ovum is transformed into a fleshy tumor mass or mole. Of all gynecologic tumors, it is one of the most feared. It is characterized by first trimester bleeding, hyperemesis, and toxemia and can be diagnosed using pelvic ultrasound. Suction currettage is the treatment of choice for molar pregnancy when a patient desires to have more children; however, hysterectomy may be necessary. Abdominal hysterectomy reduces the risk of malignant sequelae. Complications associated with molar pregnancy usually are a result of suction curettage and include pulmonary insufficiency syndrome, choriocarcinoma, hyperthyroidism, theca lutein cysts, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The perioperative nurse can be instrumental in assessing, planning, organizing, and directing intervention for potential complications associated with the management of a molar pregnancy crisis. The perioperative nurse is encouraged to review all aspects of molar pregnancy to understand the ramifications of the surgical procedures.