Objective To assess the availability of laparoscopic treatment for ectopic
pregnancy, and the availability of training in such laparoscopic techniques
, in the Yorkshire Deanery (training region).
Design A postal questionnaire was distributed to all trainees in the Yorksh
ire Deanery with a national or visiting training number (denoting eligibili
ty for CCST).
Results 60 trainees were identified of whom 59 (98%) returned completed que
stionnaires. Whilst the majority of trainees had observed or assisted with
laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy in their current hospital, only
37% had performed such surgery themselves and only 36% considered that they
would be able to achieve appropriate training at that hospital. One or mor
e consultants were offering laparoscopic treatment for ectopic pregnancy in
13 out of the 15 hospitals in the deanery. However, in only five of these
hospitals did the majority of trainees consider that they would be able to
achieve appropriate training in these techniques.
Conclusion Although the majority of hospitals have at least one consultant
able to undertake laparoscopic surgery for the management of ectopic pregna
ncy this is not being translated into a routinely available service or into
training opportunities for specialist registrars in the Yorkshire Deanery.