Risk factors for conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic management of an ectopic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors for conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent laparoscopy for treatment of ectopic pregnancy, during a 32-month period (6/1999-2/2002), at the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital. We identified 229 patients; 201 had a successful laparoscopy (non-converted group) and 28 who were converted to laparotomy (converted group). Variables analyzed between the two groups were demographic data, patient-related risk factors available to the surgeon prior to the surgery (previous laparotomy, previous laparoscopy, history of PID, history of endometriosis, diameter of ectopic pregnancy as measured by ultrasound, amount of free fluid on ultrasound, BMI), and surgeons' experience.


RESULTS
Out of the 229 laparoscopies, 28 were converted to laparotomy (12.2%). The rate of conversion was significantly higher for less experienced compared to experienced surgeon (OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 2.35-15.88). Significantly more women had a BMI > 30 kg/m2 in the converted group compared to the non-converted group (42% vs. 14%; OR = 4.28, 95% CI = 1.7-10.75) and the converted group had significantly higher rate of large free fluid reported on ultrasound compared to the non-converted group (21.42% vs. 7.46%; OR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.04-10.61).


CONCLUSIONS
Less experienced surgeon, BMI > 30 kg/m2, and large amount of free fluid on ultrasound increase the risk of conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (D-50) Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016960, Miami, FL 33010, USA. ptakacs@med.miami.edu
Peter
P
Takacs
Greg
G
Latchaw
Lucia
L
Gaitan
Nahida
N
Chakhtoura
Timothy
T
De Santis
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007813:Laparotomy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014463:Ultrasonography