title: Potential barriers to the laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancies: a regional UK study.
abstract: In this regional UK study across seven hospitals, we examined the potential barriers to undertaking a laparoscopic approach to the surgical management of ectopic pregnancies. Across the region 84% of surgically managed ectopic pregnancies were undertaken laparoscopically, although out of hours operating resulted in a higher rate of laparotomies. Trainees perceived themselves to be competent in carrying out laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancies and reported their training as adequate. Perceived barriers to training were a lack of operating time, service commitments, reduced working hours arising from the European working directive, and a lack of laboratory training facilities. In order to maintain and improve the laparoscopic rate for the management of ectopic pregnancies, it is necessary to ensure that trainees have more supervised operating time and better access to laboratory training facilities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK. jimi@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Funlayo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Odejinmi
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rizzuto
authors.forename: Karen D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Ballard
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D013513:Obstetric Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires