A very rare and dangerous form of ectopic pregnancy known as cornual pregnancy was diagnosed early and managed successfully at Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital Branch.
This type of ectopic pregnancy, which refers to the embryo attaching outside the uterus, accounts for 1% to 2% of all ectopic pregnancies, which are themselves only 2% of all normal pregnancies, demonstrating the rarity of this diagnosis. Here implantation of the embryo happens in the narrowest part of the fallopian tube.
A 36 year old woman at seven weeks pregnant presented at Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital branch with severe pain in the abdomen. After undergoing thorough investigations including ultrasound and blood work, the medical team diagnosed the cornual pregnancy. Such cases must be managed promptly for successful treatment. If left untreated, this condition may lead to rupture of the tube and heavy bleeding which can be life threatening to the patient.
Dr. Fayez Abo Kharoub, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital, used a minimally invasive surgical technique to manage this challenging case.
Dr. Abo Kharoub utilised his laparoscopic skills to successfully excise the cornual pregnancy while avoiding any excessive intraoperative bleeding or damage to the surrounding area given the sensitive and hyper vascular location of the operating site.
The patient recovered well following her surgery and was discharged from the hospital two days later in good health.