Objective
Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially serious condition. The standard methods of diagnosis include estimation of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG), transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS), and laparoscopy. Diagnostic laparoscopy yields up to 2% false‐positive and 4.5% false‐negative results with potentially serious consequences. Two cases where the technique of laparoscopic ultrasonography was used in the diagnosis of unruptured ectopic pregnancies are described.
Subjects
Laparoscopic ultrasonography was used in cases of suspected ectopic pregnancy to confirm the diagnosis. A 60° convex array probe with multifrequency (5, 6.5 and 7.5 MHz) and a radius of curvature of 20 mm was used. The probe was introduced through a 10‐mm port.
Results
The laparoscopic ultrasound probe could clearly detect early ectopic pregnancy. This technique is also superior to transvaginal ultrasonography in identifying an early intrauterine pregnancy.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that laparoscopic ultrasonography may assist in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy when the findings at laparoscopy are uncertain.