Study objective: To assess obstetric performance and fetal outcomes after laparoscopy or laparotomy performed during pregnancy.
Design: Nationwide, multicenter, retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).
Setting: Seventeen hospitals throughout Israel: 12 university or university-affiliated hospitals and 5 general hospitals.
Patients: Three hundred eighty-nine pregnant women.
Intervention: Laparoscopy or laparotomy for various indications.
Measurements and main results: Of 192 laparoscopies performed, 141 were during the first, 46 during the second, and 5 during the third trimester; respective figures for 197 laparotomies were 63, 110, and 24. No intraoperative complications were reported for either procedure. Six and 25 women had complications after laparoscopy and laparotomy, respectively. There was no significant difference in abortion rates between groups. Mean gestational age at delivery and mean birthweight were comparable between groups. No significant difference was found in frequency of fetal anomalies between groups or when compared with the Israel register of anomalies.
Conclusion: Operative laparoscopy seems to be as safe as laparotomy in pregnancy.