Prospective comparison of single port versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy

AimTo investigate the feasibility and safety of single port laparoscopic surgery (SP-LS) for ectopic pregnancy, irrespective of type of ectopic pregnancy and hemodynamic stability. MethodsA prospective case-control study of 106 women who underwent SP-LS or conventional LS for a suspected ectopic pregnancy was performed at a university teaching hospital from January 2009 to March 2012. Twenty-six women underwent SP-LS (SP-LS group) and 80 women underwent conventional LS (conventional LS group). ResultsThere were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, operating time, hemoglobin change, return of bowel activity, hospital stay or complication rate. There were no cases of additional trocar use or conversion to laparotomy. Of five women with heterotopic pregnancy, one underwent SP-LS, and three underwent conventional LS for tubal pregnancy, which all resulted in vaginal delivery without obstetric complication; one woman received SP-LS for cornual pregnancy and had an ongoing pregnancy. ConclusionSP-LS for ectopic pregnancy is feasible and safe regardless of the type of ectopic pregnancy and hemodynamic stability. However, further work is needed to confirm this conclusion and to demonstrate any advantage of SP-LS for ectopic pregnancy.