BACKGROUND: Abdominal pregnancy is not encountered commonly, and management of the placenta is controversial. CASE: A 33-year-old woman presented with an abdominal pregnancy at 33 weeks' gestation with fetal death. The placental vasculature was embolized preoperatively. Following operative delivery. of the fetus, the placenta was left in situ in efforts to preserve fertility given its implantation on the reproductive organs. The patient suffered prolonged postoperative ileus but otherwise did well. Placental function ceased after two months. CONCLUSION: Placental vasculature embolization is a management option for a retained placenta associated with abdominal pregnancy.
BACKGROUND: Abdominal pregnancy is not encountered commonly, and management of the placenta is controversial. CASE: A 33-year-old woman presented with an abdominal pregnancy at 33 weeks' gestation with fetal death. The placental vasculature was embolized preoperatively. Following operative delivery. of the fetus, the placenta was left in situ in efforts to preserve fertility given its implantation on the reproductive organs. The patient suffered prolonged postoperative ileus but otherwise did well. Placental function ceased after two months. CONCLUSION: Placental vasculature embolization is a management option for a retained placenta associated with abdominal pregnancy.