Bipolar Electrodes in the Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy

During operative laparoscopy in the management of the ectopic pregnancy, conservative treatment consisting of linear salpingotomy and extraction of trophoblast must be carried out systematically. Until recently, tubal incision was performed with monopolar delivery systems. Bipolar electrosurgery has been used for many years, but is limited to coagulation. We applied bipolar technology in the conservative treatment of ectopic pregnancy. The instrument we used for the salpingotomy consisted of disposable Bilap needle or hook electrodes with shaft diameter of 5 mm and working length 33 cm. The trophoblast was extracted with a hydrodissection pump provided with 10- or 5-mm probes without irrigation holes. The electrodes were connected to an electrosurgical generator with maximum cutting power of 70 W. This system offers cutting in bipolar applications that are designed to eliminate current passing through tissues other than those selected. The conductive electrodes are closely spaced, reducing the energy requirements and power delivered to the surrounding tissue. The operative procedure was performed in 12 women. We had no persistent trophoblastic proliferation, and no patient required additional treatment.