Uterine manipulator requirement in laparoscopic surgery of ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: The advantages of laparoscopic surgery used in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy is well-known; however, the efficacy of uterine manipulators remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of uterine manipulators in the laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Methods: Overall, 118 patients who underwent laparoscopy due to ectopic pregnancy in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Tepecik Education and Research Hospital between January 2010 and January 2018 and who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Groups of patients undergoing surgery with or without the use of a uterine manipulator were compared in terms of demographic data, operative and postoperative results. Results: No difference was noted between the groups in terms of age, parity, body mass index, smoking, side of ectopic pregnancy mass, previous operations and pregnancy type. However, the size of ectopic pregnancy mass measured by ultrasonography was significantly larger (p = 0.006) and the operation time was significantly shorter (p<0.001) in the group where uterine manipulators were not used than in the uterine manipulator group. Conclusion: We concluded that not using a uterine manipulator in laparoscopic procedures for ectopic pregnancy did not increase operative complications and that operation time was higher in procedures using uterine manipulators.