The frequency and management of uterine perforations during first-trimester abortions

The frequency and management of uterine perforation during first-trimester abortions remain a matter of continuing debate among gynecologists. The rate of uterine perforations was 1.3/1000 procedures (eight cases) in 6408 women undergoing first-trimester abortions at our clinic. We also performed 706 first-trimester abortions at the time of laparoscopic sterilization. Two perforations (2.8/1000 procedures) were reported before laparoscopy. Twelve (15.6/1000 procedures) unsuspected perforations were discovered during direct laparoscopic visualization. This represents a 19.8/1000 procedure rate of perforation (14 cases). All 22 patients with perforations were managed conservatively, and no immediate or late complications were noted. Our data suggest that the true incidence of uterine perforations is significantly underestimated and serious complications caused by perforations are rare. Conservative therapy is recommended rather than early surgical intervention.

Ectopic tubal pregnancy treated by operative laparoscopy

Between July 1986 and May 1988, all 23 patients with ectopic tubal pregnancies of 5 to 10 1/2 weeks' gestation and with serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels between 51 and 92,610 mIU/ml (first international reference preparation) were treated by operative laparoscopy. Twenty-two (96%) of the ectopic pregnancies were unruptured or leaking and one (4%) was ruptured. Fifteen patients (65%) were treated with electrosurgical linear salpingotomy, and three of these patients (20%) later needed subsequent operative procedures. Six patients (26%) were treated with laparoscopic partial or total salpingectomy, and two patients were treated with either fimbrial expression of the pregnancy or completion of a partial abortion. Twenty patients (87%) spent less than 24 hours in the hospital for successful treatment of the ectopic pregnancy. It is concluded that operative laparoscopy should be considered an alternative to laparotomy or minilaparotomy for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

Surgical correction of sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease

Early diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and treatment with appropriate doses and types of antibiotics that take into account the polymicrobial etiology of this condition are essential to prevent future infertility. That PID frequently is subacute or relatively asymptomatic argues in favor of a more liberal use of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of this condition. The sequelae of PID that cause infertility can be assessed with the judicious use of hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy. These procedures are complementary. Hysteroscopy is of more limited value. Operative laparoscopy has proven to be useful in restoring fertility in appropriately selected cases. In many instances laparotomy can be replaced successfully with laparoscopic procedures, which offer many advantages. The introduction of microsurgery has significantly improved the success rate associated with reconstructive infertility operations. The successes associated with a new therapeutic modality, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET), although modest, have been improving in the past three years. Reconstructive microsurgery and IVF/ET are complementary treatments for infertility. A thorough investigation of the infertile couple, with meticulous attention given to the various fertility parameters, individualization and a rational approach to treatment with these two modalities will undoubtedly improve the overall results.