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Laparoscopic removal of a dermoid cyst in pregnancy. A case report
C R Della Badia1, R Asper, D A Iddenden
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Methodist Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148, USA.
Background:
Laparoscopy in pregnancy can endanger the fetus. It is now being reexamined because of our experience with complex operative procedures and new laparoscopic equipment.
Case:
A decision was made to perform laparoscopy instead of laparotomy for a pelvic mass in a pregnant woman. The patient was admitted to the emergency room with a temperature of 38.9 degrees C and was 15 4/7 weeks pregnant. Over several hours she developed septic shock, with the blood pressure and white blood cell count dropping. Bedside ultrasound revealed a complex mass suspicious for an abscess. A dermoid cyst was found and removed by pelviscopic techniques. Blood cultures revealed typhoid fever, and the patient responded to antibiotics. She was discharged on the 10th postoperative day.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the value of laparoscopy in pregnancy not only for diagnosis but also for treatment. Laparoscopy in pregnancy should be added to the armamentarium of the gynecologist.