Peri-mortem laparotomy in a patient with a ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Intra-abdominal pregnancies can present at an advanced stage of pregnancy and can have the potential for life-threatening rupture and haemorrhage. The purpose of this case report was to discuss the early recognition and prompt management options of a patient with a life threatening ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy. Case report: We report what we believe to be the first case of a patient who presented with an intra-abdominal pregnancy who underwent a peri-mortem laparotomy in the Emergency Centre following a cardiac arrest, and who exhibited a return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Conclusion: Peri-mortem laparotomy/thoracotomy coupled with high quality CPR and resuscitation may be lifesaving in a patient with a life threatening ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy.

Keywords

• Peri-mortem laparotomy
• Pregnancy related complications
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
• abdominal decompression
• Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)