Ectopic Pregnancy After Hysterectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1-2% of all pregnancies and involves an ovum implanting outside of the uterus. The most frequent site of ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tubes, followed by the ovary, and occasionally can occur within the abdomen. Ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy has been reported but is extremely rare, making it a diagnostic challenge and increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Herein we report the case of a 39-year-old woman who developed an ectopic pregnancy nine years after a sub-total hysterectomy. A literature review was also conducted to explore the available research on this extremely scarce event. The review suggests that the incidence of ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy is extremely low, but it is a severe and life-threatening condition and requires a high index of suspicion to diagnose it. There is a need to share this case to alert medical practitioners of the potential for ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy to ensure it is considered when women of childbearing age present with abdominal pain.