Laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES

To study the surgical morbidity associated with laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy compared with that of open laparotomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study in an academic tertiary obstetrics and gynecology referral center was conducted from 2005 through 2007. Forty-nine patients who had pathology-confirmed tubal ectopic pregnancies were divided into 2 groups, laparoscopy (n=38) and laparotomy (n=11). The main outcome measures included operative time, blood loss, and complications.

RESULTS

No significant differences existed in gestational age, beta-hCG level, history of previous surgeries, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis. The laparotomy group included more patients with a history of previous ectopic pregnancy. The length of hospital stay following laparoscopic management was significantly less than that in the laparotomy group.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy can be the most beneficial procedure with maximum safety and efficacy.