Reproductive outcomes of women with a previous history of Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies.

BACKGROUND

Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is associated with a number of significant complications. In this study, we report on subsequent reproductive outcomes in a group of women following successful treatment of their scar pregnancies.

METHODS

The study included those women who received treatment for their Caesarean scar pregnancies between April 1999 and October 2005. Their ability to conceive, the time it took to become pregnant and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies were all recorded.

RESULTS

40 women with Caesarean scar pregnancies were managed in our unit. The uterus was conserved in 38/40 cases. Follow-up data were available in 29/38 (76%) of women. Twenty-four out of 29 (83%) attempted to become pregnant. Twenty-one out of 24 [88%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 75-100] women conceived spontaneously. Twenty out of 21 (95%, 95% CI: 86-100) pregnancies were intrauterine and one woman (5%, 95% CI: 0-14) had a recurrent scar ectopic. Thirteen out of 20 (65%, 95% CI: 44-86) intrauterine pregnancies appeared normal. Nine out of 13 (69%) were delivered by Caesarean section. Seven out of 20 (35%, 95% CI: 14-56) intrauterine pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that reproductive outcomes following treatment of caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies are favourable. The risk of complications including recurrent scar implantation appears to be low.