TIMELY EMERGENCY SURGERY SAVES WOMAN FROM RUPTURED ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital recently performed an emergency surgery that successfully saved the life of a woman in critical condition due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Ms. P.M.A., a 32-year-old Thai national, was traveling in Vietnam when she began experiencing severe lower abdominal pain. She was admitted to the hospital in a state of distress with intense pelvic pain, dizziness, pale skin, mucosal pallor, hypotension (blood pressure dropped to 85/56 mmHg), and no vaginal bleeding or fever. Clinical assessment indicated severe anemia and hemodynamic instability.

Timely Emergency Surgery Saves Woman from Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy

According to initial information, the patient had suffered a miscarriage two weeks prior. She had experienced persistent lower abdominal discomfort since then, but the pain suddenly became more intense on the day she presented to the Emergency Department. After clinical evaluation and imaging, doctors from the General Surgery Department of Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital diagnosed her with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and immediately prepared her for surgery.

The surgical team confirmed a life-threatening rupture of an ectopic pregnancy, with massive internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity and the patient at imminent risk of hemorrhagic shock. Despite the urgency, the medical team conducted a rapid multidisciplinary consultation to assess potential complications. Laparoscopic surgery was selected as the optimal approach, and within just 90 minutes, the ruptured pregnancy was successfully removed. The patient’s condition stabilized shortly after surgery.

Dr. Mai Van Dung, MMed, Specialist Level I, who led the surgery, explained:

“The patient had been diagnosed with a miscarriage in Indonesia two weeks earlier. One hour before hospital admission, she developed severe lower abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness, hypotension, and rapid heartbeat. Recognizing signs of internal bleeding and possible ruptured ectopic pregnancy, our on-call team immediately initiated resuscitation and conducted a bedside emergency ultrasound. The scan revealed a significant volume of free fluid in the abdomen, strongly suggesting intraperitoneal bleeding. She was rushed to surgery without delay, and fortunately, we were able to save her life”.

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the fertilized egg implants and develops outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube (accounting for approximately 95% of cases). In rare cases, the embryo may implant in the ovary, cervix, broad ligament, or even the abdominal cavity. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can lead to massive intra-abdominal bleeding, hemorrhagic shock, and death if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

To prevent such complications, Dr. Dung emphasized the importance of early prenatal evaluation. Women who suspect they may be pregnant should undergo proper medical examination. If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, timely hospitalization and monitoring are critical. Doctors will guide patients on early warning signs of rupture and initiate intervention to reduce the risk of severe bleeding.

Doctors from the General Surgery Department of Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital also recommend that women attend regular health check-ups. Early detection of ectopic pregnancy may allow for non-surgical treatment and help avoid serious complications.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.