Management of primary abdominal pregnancy: twelve years of experience in a medical centre

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate our institution's 12-year experience in managing primary abdominal pregnancy by laparotomy or laparoscopy. METHODS: We identified 11 cases of primary abdominal pregnancy treated at our institution between January 1994 and December 2005, and separated the cases into 2 groups based on type of surgical management. The outcome measures we evaluated were operative time, blood loss and duration of hospital stay. In addition, the incidence rates for all types of ectopic pregnancy were recorded. Analysis excluded secondary abdominal pregnancy. RESULTS: Of the 11 primary abdominal pregnancies, 6 were treated with laparotomy and 5 with laparoscopy. The laparoscopy group had significantly better results in operative time, blood loss and hospital stay (p<0.05). The difference in gestational age was not significant (p=0.141), even after excluding the patient whose abdominal pregnancy was only identified after cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: Our experience shows a trend toward better management of primary abdominal pregnancy with laparoscopy. These patients had shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and fewer days in hospital then patients treated with laparotomy. Choice of management should depend on the patient's condition, gestational age of the pregnancy, and the physician's clinical experience.