Argon laser laparoscopy: an effective technique for conservative treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy

Between October 1987 and January 1990, 60 patients with unruptured ectopic pregnancy in the ampullary portion of the tube were treated with linear salpingotomy, using the argon laser laparoscopically. In all cases, salpingotomy was performed by the "bare-fiber" technique, with a power of 3-6 watts. The same fiber was used for incision and coagulation either with a contact or a non-contact technique. There were no instrument-related intra- or postoperative complications. Twenty-four patients were evaluated by second-look laparoscopy or hysterosalpingography for tube patency and possible formation of adhesions. In all of these patients the tubes were patent. In one patient, the tube failed to close, resulting in a fistula. Four patients had filmy adhesions, covering the tube near the incision site. There were no adhesions covering the distal part of the tube.