Feasibility of single-incision laparoscopy for ruptured ectopic pregnancies with hemoperitoneum

Socioeconomic Analysis of the Surgical Management of Ectopic Pregnancies: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify racial and socioeconomic disparities in the surgical management of ectopic pregnancy DESIGN: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was sampled from 2015 to 2017 for inpatient hospitalizations for ectopic pregnancy. Cohorts were identified by surgical treatment type - open procedure versus laparoscopic procedure. Race/ethnicity, primary payer status, and median household income were primary variables of interest. Univariate and multivariable analysis was conducted.

DESIGN CLASSIFICATION

Retrospective SETTING: Nationwide inpatient analysis PATIENTS: Women presenting for ectopic pregnancy treatment INTERVENTIONS: Type of surgery MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Laparotomy versus laparoscopy for treatment MAIN RESULTS: A total of 18,725 cases were identified, 8,325 open and 10,400 laparoscopic. Hispanic women were more likely to receive open procedures as treatment for ectopic pregnancy compared to white women (OR 1.226, p<0.001). Women with private insurance were more likely to receive open procedures than women who were self-pay for treatment (OR 0.809, p<0.001). Women of lower median income status, <$60,000, were more likely to receive open procedures than women of fourth quartile income group. Black women predominantly made up the first quartile income group. When controlling for covariates, Black women were not more likely to receive one method of surgical procedure over another.

CONCLUSION

Income appears to be related to surgical management of ectopic pregnancy with women of lower median incomes receiving laparotomies over laparoscopic procedures. Equal access to healthcare remains a prudent need in communities of color. Further studies are needed to elucidate surgical decision-making in management of ectopic pregnancy.