Combined laparoscopy and minilaparotomy in the management of unruptured tubal pregnancy: a preliminary report.

Following laparoscopic diagnosis of unruptured tubal pregnancy, six patients underwent partial salpingectomy using a minilaprotomy technique. None of the patients had any complications resulting from the surgery. Four were discharged within 48 hours of surgery and the others on the 3rd postoperative day. When an ectopic pregnancy has been diagnosed before rupture the technique seems preferable, as it entails a less extensive hospital stay than does conventional laparotomy. The smaller incision is more comfortable and is cosmetically acceptable. The technique is relatively easy to use, and it is hoped that the minimal invasion of the peritoneal cavity will have a less deleterious effect on future fertility.