Imaging and video of late preterm delivery by midline laparotomy due to incarcerated uterus: A case report and literature review of a rare but morbid condition

Incarcerated gravid uterus (IGU) is a rare and serious obstetric complication. IGU is defined as the entrapment of the gravid uterus between the pubic symphysis and the sacral promontory. The incidence of IGU is 1 in 3000-10 000 cases. IGU is associated with significant obstetric complications, including preterm labor, intrauterine fetal death, growth restriction, renal failure, uterine ischemia/rupture and thrombosis. Here, we present the case of a primigravida with urinary retention at 14 weeks. On transabdominal ultrasound at 19+5/7 weeks the cervix was difficult to visualize, and the anterior uterine wall appeared thickened. The bladder was elongated superior to the uterus and the placenta was low-lying. Initially the patient was managed with intermittent self-catheterization, and subsequently indwelling catheterization was required from 22 weeks. At 30 weeks, the patient was transferred to a tertiary center and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was preformed due to challenging visualization of the cervix on ultrasound and the patient's continued symptoms of constipation and recurrent urinary infections. The MRI found a retroflexed gravid uterus, with vagina and endocervix displaced anteriorly and compressed by the gravid uterus. The findings were consistent with an incarcerated uterus. The patient subsequently had positive urinary cultures for Pseudomonas and rising creatinine. Given the obstructive uropathy and associated morbidity and mortality, a plan for elective pre-term delivery at 33+6/7 weeks was made. Delivery was by midline laparotomy, normal anatomy was restored after manual evacuation of the fundus from below the sacral promontory, and an uncomplicated lower segment transverse uterine cesarean section was performed. A primigravida symptomatic with urinary retention and constipation diagnosed with incarcerated gravida uterus develops obstructive uropathy and is subsequently delivered late preterm by midline laparotomy.