On 20/4, Doctor Ngo Thi Bang, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Viet Phap Hospital Hanoi, reported that a clinical examination, combined with tests and ultrasound, revealed a right adnexal mass measuring about 7 cm, along with suspected fluid in the abdominal cavity. The patient's critical condition necessitated immediate action.

Based on this data, two possibilities were considered: a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and a twisted and ruptured ovarian cyst. Both are medical emergencies that can cause rapid internal bleeding if not treated promptly. Given the urgency, the medical team quickly decided on emergency laparoscopic surgery to save the patient's life.

Ectopic pregnancies can have masked symptoms, delaying diagnosis, especially in cases where patients present with a pseudo-gestational sac, followed by abdominal pain, bleeding, and tissue resembling a miscarriage, while the ectopic mass continues to develop silently. In fact, nearly one month prior, the patient had sought medical attention two times at a hospital in France, where she was diagnosed with a miscarriage. However, her pain did not subside but intensified, accompanied by prolonged bleeding. "In this patient, there was also an ovarian tumor located close to the ectopic pregnancy. This made detection difficult and easily overlooked," Doctor Bang stated.

The patient was stable and discharged two days after surgery. *Photo: Hospital provided*

During the surgery, doctors identified both damage from the ectopic pregnancy and a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. The operation simultaneously involved removing the ectopic pregnancy and dissecting the ovarian cyst, while preserving the ovary to ensure hormonal function for the young patient. Laparoscopic surgery, being minimally invasive, helped reduce blood loss, shorten recovery time, and notably ensured a cosmetic outcome for the patient. After two days of treatment, the patient was discharged in stable health.

Doctor Bang recommended that pregnant individuals undergo early examinations to confirm that the pregnancy is located within the uterus. Difficult cases, in particular, require close monitoring for accurate diagnosis to avoid oversight. Early detection and timely intervention are decisive factors, not only preserving health but also contributing to long-term fertility. Furthermore, women of childbearing age should have regular gynecological check-ups, even without abnormal symptoms, to enable early detection of gynecological conditions such as: ovarian tumors, uterine fibroids, or cervical lesions. This allows for timely monitoring and treatment, preventing dangerous complications.

Le Nga