Fallopian tube stripping forceps: a novel instrumental design for distal tubal pregnancy laparoscopy

Abstract

Objective: To compare a new method using fallopian tube stripping forceps (FTSF) for salpingostomy in laparoscopic tubal pregnancy management.

Study design: Comparative observational study. A total of 102 patients with ampullary tubal pregnancy were treated as follows: 56 patients (Group 1) underwent stripping by FTSF, and 46 patients (Group 2) underwent salpingostomy. The bleeding, operation time, persistent ectopic pregnancy (EP) rate, and the first reproductive performance were investigated.

Results: We found less intraoperative bleeding, shorter operation times, and lower rates of EP recurrence in Group 1 compared with Group 2. In contrast, we observed no significant differences in the persistent EP rate, the occurrences of spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy and miscarriage, and the rates of successful IVF between the two groups.

Conclusion: For distal tubal pregnancy with an ectopic mass ≤30mm, laparoscopic fallopian tube stripping assisted by FTSF may be an easy, less-damaging, conservative operational modality with lower recurrent EP compared with salpingostomy for patients who desire future pregnancy.

Keywords: Ampullary tubal pregnancy; Fallopian tube stripping forceps; Persistent EP; Recurrent EP; Salpingostomy.