Use of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy in the UK: a national survey

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Objective: Laparoscopic surgery may be considered the gold standard in the management of ectopic pregnancy (EP), yet the technique may not be widely available in the UK. The aim of the study was to investigate its availability.Method: A postal questionnaire was sent to all 1420 practising consultant gynaecologists registered with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.Results: 772 consultants responded (55%). At only 13% of hospitals was laparoscopic surgery performed routinely (defined as >75% of cases) for EP. In 43% of hospitals a laparoscopic service for EP was available (>25% of cases managed laparoscopically). Teaching hospitals were significantly more likely than non‐teaching hospitals to have a laparoscopic service available (72 vs. 32%, P < 0.001), and to use the technique routinely (27 vs. 7%, P < 0.001). The main reasons cited for not routinely managing EP using laparoscopic surgery were lack of training of seniors (83% of respondents) and of juniors (86%). Factors significantly associated with provision of a laparoscopic service were the ready availability of consultants in theatre and of juniors trained in the technique. Surgery is still the most common form of treatment for EP, with less than 4% of hospitals routinely using medical treatment as first‐line therapy.Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy is still not available to the majority of British women. The development of training programmes in the technique is a priority.

This publication has 5 references indexed in Scilit: