The feasibility and advantages of laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy at a secondary hospital in South Africa
Date
2019-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Background. Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a gynaecological emergency with implications for maternal morbidity worldwide. Laparoscopic
surgery is the preferred method of surgical management in most cases, as it has shown to improve patient outcomes and overall care and
to be cost effective and efficient.
Objectives. To investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for EP management at a secondary hospital, based on incidence rates and
comparing surgery-associated variables and outcomes with those in laparotomy.
Methods. A retrospective study design was used. All patients who were treated surgically for EP at the Worcester Provincial Hospital were
included. The required sample size was 81. Data were collected from patient files and theatre reports. Cases were assigned to one of two
cohorts based on the method of surgical management.
Results. A total of 84 cases were identified, of which 48 (57.1%) were managed laparoscopically and 36 (42.9%) with laparotomy. The
average surgical time was 34.6 minutes and 44.9 minutes for a laparotomy and a laparoscopy, respectively. Patients who were treated
laparoscopically required significantly less postoperative pain relief and had shorter hospital stays.
Conclusion. This study shows not only that laparoscopy treatment is a feasible option for EP in a secondary-hospital setting in South
Africa, but also that the intervention is associated with significantly better patient outcomes than laparotomy. The demonstrated benefits
make laparoscopy the preferred treatment modality for EP when surgical intervention is required.
Description
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The original publication is available from http://www.sajog.org.za/index.php/SAJOG
CITATION: Armatas, D., Theron, G.B. & Aronius, R. The feasibility and advantages of laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy at a secondary hospital in South Africa. South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 25(2):45-48, doi:10.7196/sajog.1445.
The original publication is available from http://www.sajog.org.za/index.php/SAJOG
CITATION: Armatas, D., Theron, G.B. & Aronius, R. The feasibility and advantages of laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy at a secondary hospital in South Africa. South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 25(2):45-48, doi:10.7196/sajog.1445.
Keywords
Laparoscopic surgery, Ectopic pregnancy, Maternal morbidity, Maternal deaths
Citation
Armatas, D., Theron, G.B. & Aronius, R. The feasibility and advantages of laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy at a secondary hospital in South Africa. South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 25(2):45-48, doi:10.7196/sajog.1445.