Laparoscopic cornuotomy using a temporary tourniquet suture and diluted vasopressin injection in interstitial pregnancy

Objective

To evaluate the efficiency of laparoscopic cornuotomy.

Design

Retrospective case review.

Setting

An urban medical center.

Patient(s)

Eight patients with interstitial pregnancy who have undergone laparoscopic cornuotomy.

Intervention(s)

Laparoscopic cornuotomy was performed using a temporary tourniquet suture and the injection of diluted vasopressin around the cornual mass. The tourniquet suture was removed completely after repairing the cornu.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Operating time, hemorrhage, β-hCG levels.

Result(s)

The estimated blood loss was 50 ± 22 mL (mean ± SD), and the operating time was 58 ± 16 minutes. The serum β-hCG level returned to within the normal range approximately 4 weeks postoperatively in all patients. There were no major postoperative complications, such as hemorrhage, and no postoperative adjuvant therapy was required.

Conclusion(s)

Laparoscopic cornuotomy is a safe and effective method in interstitial pregnancy, and we believe that it has the advantage of preserving reproductive capacity over cornual resection.

Key Words: Interstitial pregnancy, cornual pregnancy, laparoscopy, cornuotomy, tourniquet suture