Single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy for the surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Study objective: To evaluate the feasibility of a single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy in the surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy.

Design: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

Setting: University teaching hospital

Patients: Twenty women with tubal pregnancy, as determined by ultrasonography.

Intervention: All patients have undergone single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy. Entry through a single port was established with a wound retractor as fascial retractor and a surgical glove, which served as the working channels for the laparoscopic equipment. A 30-degree laparoscope and a rigid or flexible grasper were used during the procedure.

Measurements and main results: Single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy was successfully performed in all 20 patients with ectopic pregnancy. The median operative time was 55 minutes (range 25-85 minutes), and blood loss in all patients was minimal. The median difference between preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin was 1.8 g/dL (range 0-3.2 g/dL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (range 2-4 days). No complication was encountered, nor was there any need for conversion to conventional laparoscopy.

Conclusions: Single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy is feasible and promising. However, for drawing the definite conclusion of the surgical efficacy, additional investigations to compare this approach with conventional laparoscopy are needed.