Innovative Laparoscopic Surgery for Pregnant Woman

In Ukraine's capital, physicians conducted an extraordinary laparoscopic procedure on a pregnant woman in her late term. Both mother and child are safe.

This was reported by the National Cancer Institute.

A 35-year-old mother of five from Rivne region, who was at 19 weeks of pregnancy, sought help.

During a routine ultrasound examination, a malignant formation was detected – stage III adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon, accompanied by grade II anemia and partial bowel obstruction.

The treatment strategy was determined at a multidisciplinary consultation at the Institute. The task was exceptionally challenging – to save the woman's life while preserving her pregnancy.

Experience in performing radical interventions for colorectal cancer at such a late stage of pregnancy in Ukraine is limited, and laparoscopic access is virtually absent.

Many factors were considered: the biological characteristics of the tumor, physiological changes due to pregnancy, and the presence of a living fetus in the abdominal cavity, which significantly restricted the ability to perform specific laparoscopic maneuvers.

The oncologist-surgeon noted that the laparoscopic approach was chosen to minimize trauma and avoid harming the child. This method significantly reduced postoperative pain and nearly eliminated the need for pain relief medications post-surgery.

“It was a true challenge – both medically and personally. We knew we were responsible for two lives,” the surgeon emphasized.

At the institute, it was noted that the woman is recovering quickly after the surgery: she feels well, is active, and is smiling. The fetus's condition, according to specialists, is stable. On the third day after the surgery, her husband took Maria home.

After receiving the final histological report, the multidisciplinary team will determine the next chemotherapy strategy for the patient.