Incarceration of the Gravid Uterus

Recurrent incarceration and/or sacculation of the gravid uterus: A review

“…Diagnosis of uterine incarceration remains difficult because of the very aspecific symptoms such as constipation, tenesmus, low abdominal or back pain, dysuria, urgency and urinary retention [1,15]. In retrospect, refractory urinary problems in the late first trimester of the pregnancy of our patient may have been related to the incarceration.…”

“…Probably, compression of the uterine vessels and dysfunctional uterine blood supply may contribute to retarded fetal growth and dysmaturity [1].…”

“…Abdominal ascent of the pregnant uterus may be prevented by posterior-wall fibroids, adhesions, endometriosis, uterus anomalies or a deep sacral concavity with an overlying promontory [1,2]. Uterine incarceration, defined as intrapelvic locking of the uterine fundus during pregnancy, was first described by Hunter in 1771 [3].…”

Spontaneous repositioning of incarcerated gravid uterus following general anaesthesia: a case report and review of literature

“…Serious complications may occur including uterine rupture, bladder rupture, cervico-vaginal fistula and rectal gangrene. 9 Cases of maternal and foetal death have also been described. 10,11 The incidence of incarcerated uterus has been quoted to be around 1 in 3000 to 10,000 cases.…”

“…More recent reports report successful repositioning in later gestations. [12][13][14] Lettieri et al 9 in 1994 suggest uterine repositioning be performed in gestations between 14-20 weeks. Most clinicians would not attempt uterine repositioning if incarcerated uterus is diagnosed beyond 20 weeks.…”