In a miraculous and astounding medical case, doctors at Cedars-Sinai were left shocked when they discovered a nearly full-term baby boy hidden behind a massive 22-pound uterine tumor. Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse from Bakersfield, Calif., underwent routine testing before surgery to remove the tumor from her uterus when she received unexpected news – a positive pregnancy test.
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Initially believing that her chances of having another child were slim due to the presence of the large ovarian cyst, Lopez was taken aback by the unexpected revelation of her pregnancy. John Ozimek, DO, the medical director of Labor and Delivery at Cedars-Sinai, explained that scans revealed an empty uterus occupied by a huge benign ovarian cyst weighing over 20 pounds, alongside a nearly full-term baby boy nestled in a confined space near her liver.
Abdominal ectopic pregnancies, where a baby grows outside the uterus, are rare and associated with high risks of morbidity and mortality according to the National Library of Medicine. Gynecological oncologist Michael Manuel, MD, described the survival of the baby in such a challenging pregnancy as “profound,” highlighting the exceptional nature of this case in the medical world.
With a team of 30 doctors on hand, the delivery of the baby, removal of the cyst, and ensuring the well-being of both mother and child became a painstaking but ultimately successful process. Lopez faced complications post-delivery, requiring significant blood transfusions to stabilise her condition, emphasising the critical nature of the operation.
Baby Ryu, weighing in at 8 pounds, defied the odds by showing remarkable resilience despite initial concerns about his lung health. Neonatalist Sara Dayanim, MD, praised the baby’s progress, noting that he swiftly met all vital milestones for healthy development within two weeks, showcasing his remarkable strength and vitality.
Amidst the joy and relief following the successful delivery, Suze’s husband, Andrew, expressed gratitude for their “miracle” baby Ryu and proclaimed their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Suze echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the preciousness of life and viewing her baby as a beacon of hope and a testament to the existence of miracles in the modern world.
The extraordinary journey of Suze Lopez and baby Ryu serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith in overcoming life’s most daunting challenges. Their story stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the medical team at Cedars-Sinai, whose unwavering commitment ensured a successful outcome in the face of extraordinary circumstances.