Management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies at an academic referral center: A case series

Abstract

Objectives: To describe treatment and outcomes of patients with confirmed cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP) at a tertiary referral center.

Study design: We reviewed a deidentified family planning clinical database for patients seen by our subspecialty service for CSEP from January 2017 through December 2021 in this case series. We extracted referral information, final diagnosis, management, and outcome measures including estimated blood loss, secondary procedures, and treatment complications.

Results: Of 57 cases referred for suspected CSEPs, 23 (40%) had confirmed diagnoses; one additional case was diagnosed during clinic evaluation for early pregnancy loss. Most (n = 50 [88%]) referrals occurred in the last 2 years of the 5-year study period. Of 24 confirmed CSEP cases, eight were pregnancy losses at the time of diagnosis. Fourteen cases were ≤50 days gestation or gestational size (7 [50%] pregnancy losses) and 10 >50 days gestation (range 39-66 days). We treated all 14 patients ≤50 days primarily with suction aspiration under ultrasound guidance in an operating room with no complications and estimated blood loss of 14 ± 10 mL. Of the 10 patients>50 days (maximum 66 days), seven were managed with primary aspiration of which five were uncomplicated. We treated one patient (57 days) had primary intrauterine double-catheter balloon with immediate hemorrhage requiring uterine artery embolization followed by an uncomplicated suction aspiration.

Conclusions: Patients with confirmed CSEPs at 50 days or less gestation or gestational size can likely be primarily treated with suction aspiration with low risk for significant adverse outcomes. Treatment success and complications are directly related to gestational age at treatment.

Implications: Ultrasound-guided suction aspiration monotherapy should be considered for primary CSEP treatment up to 50 days and, with continued experience, may be reasonable beyond 50 days gestation. Invasive treatments or those that require multiple days and visits, such as methotrexate or balloon catheters, are not necessary for early CSEPs.

Keywords: Case series; Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy; Dilation and curettage; Ultrasonography; Uterine aspiration.