The role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and management of heterotopic pregnancies

The object of this report is to discuss diagnosis and treatment of heterotopic pregnancies. Thirteen consecutive cases referred to our institution are reviewed. In 54% of cases the heterotopic pregnancy was asymptomatic. The ectopic pregnancy was visualized prior to surgery in 69% of the cases. The treatment was surgical in every case and performed laparoscopically in 77% of cases. Ten patients underwent salpingectomy and three salpingostomy. In all, 60% of intrauterine pregnancies that were viable at the time of diagnosis of the heterotopic pregnancy had a favourable outcome. Diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy is difficult. Laparoscopy allows both diagnosis and treatment, and the outcome of the intrauterine pregnancy is comparable to that obtained with laparotomy.