Vol 91, No 3 (2020)
Research paper
Published online: 2020-03-31

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Rudimentary horn pregnancy — ten years of experience

Elif Ağaçayak1, Nurullah Peker1, Mustafa Yavuz2, Fatih Mehmet Fındık1, Mehmet Sıddık Evsen1, Talip Gül1
Pubmed: 32266951
Ginekol Pol 2020;91(3):117-122.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate data on early diagnosis and therapeutic management of rudimentary horn
pregnancy (RHP).
Material and methods: Patients diagnosed with RHP at a tertiary center between for two periods of 2008–2012 and
2013–2018 were analysed retrospectively. We obtained information of patients from hospital electronic archive registration
system. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, gestational age at presentation, presenting symptoms,
diagnostic methods, and therapeutic management were noted and analysed by descriptive statistical method. Demographic
datas, the complaint of patient’s admission to hospital, history of cesarean section, preliminary diagnosis and intraoperative
diagnosis were compared between periods of 2008–2012 and 2013–2018.
Results: A total of 14 RHP patients were included. Eight (57.1%) of these patients were diagnosed between 2008–2012 (Group
1), whereas six patients (42.9%) were diagnosed between 2013–2018 (Group 2). Rudimentary horn was non-communicating
in 13 patients (92.8%). Communicated form was observed in 1 patient in group 1. RHP was diagnosed on the left side in nine
patients (64.2%). Six of these patients were observed in group 1 and 3 were in group 2. The pre-rupture diagnosis was made
in 10 (71.4%) patients. Six (100%) of 10 patients were in group 2. In addition, in group 1, four patients (50%) experienced
intraoperative RHP rupture. RHP was diagnosed before rupture in 2 (33.3%) patients in group 2.
Conclusions: It is an indication of advanced ultrasonographic technology as well as increased carefulness on the physician
side and raised alertness on the patient side that today both RHP and preoperative rupture of RHP are less frequent.
Still, further awareness is required among physicians of the necessity of excision of a rudimentary horn that is detected
at the time of C-section.

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