The contact Nd:YAG laser: a new technique for conservation of the fallopian tube in unruptured ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Between August 1986 and April 1988, 22 women with unruptured tubal pregnancy were treated by laparoscopy in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University of Ulm. Linear salpingotomy was performed using the contact Nd:YAG laser technique. The laser beam was delivered by special sapphire probes attached to a standard optical fibre for incision and coagulation. Two different shapes of sapphire probes were used. The specific laser properties and the application of vasopressin enabled treatment without any other incision instruments or coagulation agents. In one patient subsequent laparoscopy became necessary due to persisting trophoblastic tissue. Sixteen women were assessed subsequently by second-look laparoscopy or hysterosalpingography for tubal patency and possible formation of adhesions. In 14 (88%) women the tubes were patent, and in two women adhesions were seen.