ASSESSMENT OF THE LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Aims. To assess the first 2 years experience of the laparoscopic surgi cal treatment of ectopic pregnancy in a regional referral centre. Meth ods. All cases of ectopic pregnancy in a 2 year period from August 199 1 were evaluated to assess the impact on the routine management of thi s condition.Results. In the first year 14 cases were managed by laparo scopic means and took an average operating time of mean 73.8 (SD 17.2) minutes compared to mean 69.1 (17.9) minutes in the 26 cases managed this way in the second year. The 40 patients were hospitalised for an average of 1.4 days and 24 stayed one night only. There was no differe nce in operating time between registrars and consultants. The only maj or complication was a patient who required an emergency laparotomy bec ause of continued bleeding. When all cases of ectopic surgery were eva luated in the second year, six of the 32 cases required laparotomy to complete the operation. Conclusion. The benefits of laparoscopic surgi cal treatment of ectopic pregnancy dictate that this should be employe d as first line treatment for all cases of tubal ectopic gestation. Ou r experience suggests that achieving such a service, whilst not withou t pitfalls, should be possible in all gynaecology units provided that staff are motivated and that laparoscopic equipment is available.