Saving the life of a pregnant woman who suffered cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and uterine rupture.

On the afternoon of June 26th, Tu Du Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) announced that its doctors had successfully saved Ms. Q. (39 years old, residing in Binh Duong) who suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest due to uterine rupture and placenta previa (placental villi that invade through the uterine peritoneum and may invade adjacent organs).

Cứu sống sản phụ ngưng tim, ngưng thở, vỡ tử cung - Ảnh 1.

The patient was surgically saved after suffering cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. (Photo: Provided by the hospital)

Ms. Q. had two previous normal deliveries, and her third pregnancy was unexpected. According to Ms. Q., in 2021, she underwent surgery to remove uterine fibroids. After the surgery, she used an IUD for contraception, but it didn't work, so she had it removed and a contraceptive implant inserted. After a while, she experienced prolonged bleeding, so she had it removed and switched to daily birth control pills. Before she could start taking the pills, she discovered she was pregnant due to a missed period.

During her pregnancy, Ms. Q. had regular check-ups. At 25 weeks, the doctor discovered placenta accreta. Around 33 weeks, Ms. Q. suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain. The pain made it difficult for her to breathe, so her family rushed her to Tu Du Hospital for emergency treatment.

At the hospital, Ms. Q. was in a coma, with cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, unmeasurable pulse and blood pressure, and a distended abdomen making it difficult to determine the fetus. Doctors quickly determined that the patient had a ruptured uterus and was in hemorrhagic shock, so they activated an internal hospital red alert.

The patient received intensive resuscitation with external chest compressions, adrenaline injection, endotracheal intubation, intravenous line establishment, and was transferred to the operating room. The surgeons performed surgery while simultaneously providing cardiac resuscitation. During the operation, approximately 3,000 ml of diluted and clotted blood was found in Ms. Q.'s abdomen. Subsequently, the surgeons incised the uterine muscle and delivered a premature baby boy who was unresponsive and cyanotic. The baby was resuscitated with endotracheal intubation, manual ventilation, and transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for further treatment.

After delivering the baby, the doctor examined the patient and noted placental invasion that had perforated the left posterior corner of the uterus by approximately 3-4 cm, with active bleeding. The team proceeded to release the adhesions and remove the uterus, leaving the two ovaries intact. During the surgery, intensive resuscitation and continuous blood transfusions resulted in the patient's heartbeat returning. After two hours of surgery, the patient had received 3,340 ml of blood.

Doctors emphasize that during surgeries, patients who are in a coma, experience cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, or massive blood loss face the risk of irreversible brain damage, multiple organ failure, coagulation disorders, lung damage, circulatory overload, electrolyte imbalance, acid-base imbalance, hemolytic fever, infection, etc.

Ms. Q. has now recovered, is able to walk and take care of her personal hygiene, eats a variety of foods, and has an appetite. The incision along the middle of her abdomen has dried up, with no signs of leakage or swelling. Her son, however, is still receiving intensive treatment from the doctors.