Abdominal pregnancies are rare; however, they are still frequently missed
pre-operatively. This presents diagnostic and treatment dilemma especially in
resource-constrained settings where CT-scan and MRI are not readily available
for accurate diagnosis. Five cases of abdominal pregnancies were managed over
an eighteen-year period. In 2 cases, the condition was diagnosed preoperatively.
The age range of the patients was from 32 to 36 years with a mean of 32.4
years. All 5 patients recovered fully; 4 required at least 2 units of blood
transfusion; the placenta was left behind in 1 case; 1 required methotrexate to
enhance placental resorption. One patient had recurrent intestinal obstruction
and eventually had laparotomy and release of thick bands of adhesion. Two patients
had conceived at least once each following treatment. Abdominal pregnancies present
serious diagnostic and management dilemma especially in low resource settings.
A high index of suspicion and prompt laparotomy can be life-saving. There is
little information known about future fertility after abdominal pregnancy.
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