Scottish audit of ectopic pregnancy

Objective To evaluate the use of laparoscopic procedures in the treatment o f ectopic pregnancies by a cross-section of gynaecologists in Scotland Design A prospective registration of cases of laparoscopically treated ecto pic pregnancy by gynaecologists. Case-note review was also performed in sel ected hospitals. Setting 13 hospitals in seven Scottish Health Board areas. Subjects Women having laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Results Between April 1994 and March 1996, 85 ectopic pregnancies were trea ted laparoscopically. Contraindications for laparoscopic surgery were most commonly size of the ectopic gestation (53%), presence of intraperitoneal b leeding (42%) and tubal rupture (44%). Salpingotomy was performed in 16% ov erall with only 86% of consultants monitoring serial human chorionic gonado trophin levels. Conclusions Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancies in Scotland is in frequent. Lack of availability of adequate equipment and trained staff was often quoted as the reason preventing surgeons from developing their skills in these techniques. Complication rates were low and patient satisfaction high.