Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancies--a study of 100 cases

The experience of laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancies (EPs) in a single institution was studied. Of the 358 cases of EPs treated between January 1990 and December 1995, 100 (27.9%) were treated laparoscopically. The mean age of these patients was 27.6 years and 65% were parous. The preoperative haemoglobin levels ranged between 7.1 and 13.2 g/dl. Haemoperitoneum was present in 83% of these cases and ectopic gestation was sited within the ampullary region in 66% of cases. Of the 100 cases of laparoscopically-treated EPs, 63 were treated by salpingectomy and 37 by linear salpingostomy. The mean operative time was 58 min (range 30 to 90 min). Except one patient with deteriorating vital signs in the immediate postoperative period needing a repeat laparoscopy, no other intra or postoperative morbidity was encountered. Majority of patients were ambulant within 12 hours of surgery and 84% were discharged home within 36 hours of their surgery. Laparoscopic treatment of EPs is safe and effective. Resident specialists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology should be trained in therapeutic laparoscopy early in their career so that more patients with EP can benefit from this minimally invasive surgery.