Operative laparoscopy in tubal pregnancy: preoperative ultrasonographic measurement of hemoperitoneum as a predictor of blood loss and outcome

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship of ultrasonographic measurement of hemoperitoneum to estimated blood loss and outcome of operative laparoscopy in ectopic pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of all tubal pregnancy patients with preoperative ultrasonographic evidence of hemoperitoneum who underwent laparoscopy as part of the procedure at a tertiary referral center over a 3.5-year period. The largest transabdominal and transvaginal measurements of pelvic fluid collections in anterior-posterior, transverse and cranial-caudal dimensions were measured from all available preoperative ultrasound films. Patient characteristics, volume of estimated blood loss and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were included in the study. Twenty-one underwent successful laparoscopic treatment (group 1). Four patients underwent conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy because of bleeding (group 2). Four patients underwent conversion because of adhesions (group 3). There were no significant differences in patient characteristics. The single largest ultrasonographc diameter of pelvic fluid collection in any dimension seemed to correlate with estimated blood loss volume (R2 =.659; p <0.05), with significant volume present in those with a maximum diameter > 7 cm. The mean diameter of greatest measurements was significantly different between groups 1 and 2 and between groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05). However, such measurements did not predict the success of laparosocpic surgery. CONCLUSION: The greatest ultrasonographic measurement of pelvic fluid collection > or = 7 cm in any dimension appears to serve as a marker of significant hemoperitoneum. Hemoperitoneum alone does not appear to predict the outcome of surgery, and otherfactors should be considered prior to performing operative laparoscopy in ectopic pregnancy.