Challenges in the Management of a Case of Secondary Abdominal Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Abdominal pregnancy, one of the rare forms of ectopic pregnancy demands a high index of suspicion for its timely diagnosis and intervention so as to prevent both maternal and neonatal complications. We presented a case of secondary abdominal pregnancy which was missed at the first instance at a private centre and came to us with nonspecific abdominal symptoms after an attempted termination of pregnancy by surgical means (dilation and curettage). Case presentation: A 24-year-old third gravida with two live issues at 10-week gestation came to us with complaints of pain lower abdomen, vomiting and inability to pass stool. She gave history of undergoing dilation and curettage (D&C) at a private hospital for termination of pregnancy about 20 days back. After thorough work-up and investigations, the diagnosis of secondary abdominal pregnancy was established and she was taken up for exploratory laparotomy with the removal of fetus with placenta. The patient progressed well with the postoperative period remaining uneventful. Conclusion: Secondary abdominal pregnancy poses as a challenge to clinicians working with limited diagnostic facilities. The condition may be life threatening if not handled meticulously.