Uterine Artery Embolization Combined with Subsequent Suction Evacuation as Low-Risk Treatment for Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

Objective: The aim of this study is to propose a standardized management of care for patients diagnosed with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). There are two types of CSP: Type 1 (on the scar) vs. type 2 (in the niche). To date there is no international standard to predict the extent of invasion or the optimal management of CSP. Materials and methods: We used intramuscular methotrexate injection followed by uterine artery embolization combined with suction evacuation as a conservative approach for the treatment of seven patients diagnosed with CSP. Our inclusion criteria, to be satisfied simultaneously, were established as follows: (1) patients with CSP; (2) early gestational age ≤ 9 weeks, and (3) written consent of the proposed treatment of the patient. Results: This course of treatment produced a positive outcome in all cases. We did not have any complications (e.g., emergency hysterectomy, perforation of the uterine cavity, severe hemorrhage, or endometritis) during the procedures or in the follow-up. The most important predictors of successful management are early diagnosis of CSP and orientation of the invasive trophoblast opposite to the scar. Conclusions: The main finding from this series of cases is that associating systemic methotrexate and uterine artery embolization provides efficient and low-risk management of CSP. This treatment regime is adequate for both types of CSPs. We consider that early localization diagnosis of pregnancy following a cesarean delivery is mandatory for CSP morbidity prevention.

Evaluation of the Treatment of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Combined With Suction Curettage for Exogenous Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with suction curettage in the treatment of exogenous cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Methods: A total of 41 patients diagnosed with exogenous CSP were enrolled in this study. All patients received HIFU treatment combined with suction curettage. Results: Twenty-nine patients were administered one session of HIFU ablation. In addition, the other 12 patients received 2 HIFU sessions. Suction curettage was performed in all patients after HIFU, and no patient was converted to laparoscopy or hysterectomy. The mean blood loss during suction curettage was 99 ml. Three patients received two sessions of suction curettage. The success rate of our study was 92.68%. The mean time for serum β-HCG normalization was 23.18±3.13 days. The average menstruation recovery time was 29.38±3.34 days. Based on the blood loss during suction curettage, 41 patients were divided into a bleeding group and a control group. The size of the gestational sac in the bleeding group (3.80±0.87 cm) was larger than that in the control group (3.39±0.77 cm) (P <0.05). The thickness of the myometrium between the bladder and gestational sac in the bleeding group (2.37±0.89 mm) was less than that in the control group (2.75±0.75 mm) (P <0.05). Conclusion: The results suggested that HIFU combined with suction curettage could be considered an effective treatment for exogenous CSP of < 9 weeks. The size of the gestational sac and the thickness of the myometrium between the bladder and gestational sac might be high-risk factors for blood loss during this treatment.