Single-port versus conventional laparoscopic salpingectomy in tubal pregnancy: a comparison of surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To compare the surgical outcomes of single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy (SPLS) and conventional laparoscopic salpingectomy for the surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN From January to June 2009, patients with tubal pregnancy were assigned to two surgical groups: SPLS and conventional laparoscopic salpingectomy. Surgical outcomes, including operative time, postoperative haemoglobin drop, hospital stay and complications, were compared prospectively. For SPLS, a novel multichannel port was made using a wound retractor and a surgical glove. RESULTS In total, 60 patients were enrolled in the study (30 in the SPLS group and 30 in the conventional group). All operations were completed successfully. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of mean operative time (52.6 ± 16.1 min vs 46.8 ± 16.2 min; p=0.174), mean difference between pre- and postoperative haemoglobin (1.7 ± 0.8 g/dl vs 1.8 ± 1.0 g/dl; p=0.636), or mean postoperative hospital stay (2.4 ± 0.5 days vs 2.4 ± 0.9 days; p=1.000). No complications were encountered in either group, and there was no conversion to conventional laparoscopy in the SPLS group. CONCLUSION SPLS has comparable surgical outcomes to conventional laparoscopic salpingectomy for the surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy in terms of operative time, hospital stay and complication rates. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the merits expected of single-port laparoscopic surgery, such as cosmetic advantage and decreased pain in patients.