Pregnancy found growing near kidneys in rare medical case

An extremely rare pregnancy that developed outside the uterus, deep inside the abdomen near the kidneys (Representative image)

NEW DELHI: Doctors in Delhi have successfully treated a woman diagnosed with an extremely rare pregnancy that developed outside the uterus, deep inside the abdomen near the kidneys, using minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery.The woman, from Bengaluru, had initially presented for a routine pregnancy evaluation. During an ultrasound, doctors detected a 10-12 cm cystic structure, which was initially suspected to be a dermoid cyst because it appeared to contain fetal parts. However, an MRI revealed a far more unusual diagnosis.The scan showed uterine dehiscence, in which the uterine wall had ruptured, allowing the pregnancy to develop in the retroperitoneal space, close to the kidneys and major blood vessels, including the aorta and inferior vena cava. Doctors found a 12-week fetus measuring about 7-8 cm inside the cyst.Dr Mannan Gupta, Founder and Chairman, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, said the pregnancy was neither inside the uterus nor in the fallopian tube or ovary, where most ectopic pregnancies occur.

“Initially, the ultrasound findings suggested a dermoid cyst. However, MRI revealed an exceptionally rare condition. The pregnancy was located in the retroperitoneal space near the kidneys and major blood vessels. This is one of the rarest forms of pregnancy and the first such case I have encountered in my career,” he said.Doctors performed the procedure laparoscopically, avoiding a major abdominal incision. Given the proximity of the pregnancy to vital organs and major blood vessels, the surgery required meticulous planning and precision. Doctors said the patient had an excellent postoperative outcome.According to the treating doctors, retroperitoneal pregnancy is estimated to occur in about one in 30,000 pregnancies. They said early diagnosis and timely intervention are critical, as delayed treatment can result in life-threatening complications because of the pregnancy’s proximity to major blood vessels and vital organs.