Saving a 14-week fetus during a “brain balancing” surgery to remove a giant 15cm ovarian tumor
A rare and challenging case has been successfully managed by the doctors at Hai Phong International Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, preserving the lives of both the mother and the fetus.
Patient P.T.C.V (34 years old, Cat Hai, Hai Phong) – 14 weeks pregnant, was admitted with persistent lower abdominal pain. After an ultrasound, the doctors discovered a right ovarian tumor with a diameter of up to 15cm – a very large size, posing risks of torsion, necrosis, and even serious impacts on the fetus.
Directly examining the patient, BSCKI. Phung Van Luan – Deputy Head of the Obstetrics Department stated: “This is an extremely complex case. The pregnant woman has a history of cesarean section, a giant ovarian cyst, and high blood pressure – if not handled promptly, the risk of losing both mother and child is very high.”
In the emergency situation, Dr. Pham Thi Xuan Minh – Head of the Obstetrics Department immediately directed a multidisciplinary consultation and decided on emergency laparoscopic surgery to both address the tumor and ensure maximum safety for the fetus, which was only 14 weeks old.
The surgery was meticulously prepared, with the collaboration of Dr. Vu Hong Thang (Obstetrics Department), Dr. Tran Kim Trong (Delivery Department), Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong (Anesthesia and Resuscitation Department), along with the anesthesia team and nursing staff.
Throughout the more than 60 minutes of tension, the entire team worked with a high level of concentration. The twisted teratoma at the right ovary was dissected and completely removed. The fetus was safe, the healthy part of the ovary was preserved, and the blood vessels supplying the fetus remained stable.
The surgery ended in an overwhelming joy for both the team and the family of the patient.
After the surgery, Ms. V was specially cared for and monitored in the Prenatal Department for 7 days. Currently, both the mother’s and the fetus’s health are stable, and the patient has been discharged from the hospital in overwhelming happiness and emotion.
An ovarian cyst is a condition characterized by the presence of a fluid-filled sac or abnormal tissue in the ovary, which can occur in women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy. Most cysts are benign, but if they are large or become twisted or ruptured, they can pose a danger to the fetus and the mother’s life.
Therefore, pregnant mothers should have regular check-ups, ultrasound examinations, and ovarian screenings at reputable specialized medical facilities. Early detection helps ensure timely intervention and prevents unfortunate complications.
Hai Phong International Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital – where a team of leading doctors, modern equipment, is ready to accompany and protect the safe journey of motherhood for every pregnant woman.
