Laparoscopic management of cornual ectopic pregnancy: A step-by-step approach

Abstract

Interstitial and cornual pregnancies are dangerous, yet rare, forms of ectopic pregnancy, accounting for 2%–4% of all ectopic pregnancies. A 38-year-old female, para 1, gravida 3 had undergone another in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle (a salpingectomy performed elsewhere for treating a hydrosalpinx before a previous IVF attempt). Duration of pregnancy is 6 weeks and 5 days, a transvaginal ultrasound revealed an embryo with a positive foetal heartbeat, located in the left cornuum. As no conservative treatment option could be followed, we proceeded with laparoscopic removal of ectopic pregnancy through cornual resection. Since a specific surgical methodology has not yet been established, presenting more step-by-step surgical approaches that can be used in clinical practice is of high importance. We present a step-by-step surgical approach that we have implemented in cases of cornual pregnancy in our department.

Keywords

• cornual ectopic pregnancy
• ectopic pregnancy
• laparoscopic management
• laparoscopy