Surgical management of cornual heterotopic using intraoperative sonography depth resection guidance: case report

Abstract

Heterotopic pregnancy is an uncommon phenomenon in which an ectopic and intrauterine pregnancy coexist. This condition can be life-threatening and poses a significant therapeutic challenge. Here we describe management of a heterotopic pregnancy with the ectopic pregnancy located in the right cornua. Resection of the ectopic pregnancy was performed via open laparotomy with intraoperative sonography. A sonography guided approach may optimize resection depth while secondarily allowing monitoring of the intrauterine pregnancy and prevention of disruption in cases in which the gestational sacs are in close proximity. After resection, the course of the pregnancy was uncomplicated, and a healthy baby was delivered via planned cesarean delivery at 36 weeks. While the optimal management of heterotopic pregnancies is often individualized, prompt diagnosis and treatment can result in favorable outcomes. The use of ultrasound intraoperatively allows for more precise resection depth, and which may lead to improved outcomes including increased intrauterine fetal survival rates and decreased myometrial scarring.