The management of ectopic pregnancy is changing with the emphasis now on laparoscopic surgical management of patients with ectopic pregnancy. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have suggested that 80% of women with ectopic pregnancy should undergo laparoscopic surgery.
The advantages are of a shorter hospital stay, a quicker return to work and smaller surgical incisions than by traditional laparotomy. There is however, no good evidence that laparoscopy has advantages in the success of subsequent pregnancies. The aim of the course is to introduce delegates to both the diagnostic tools used in women with suspected ectopic pregnancy and also to demonstrate and teach the laparoscopic techniques which will hopefully enable delegates to provide laparoscopic surgery in women with ectopic pregnancy. This course is suitable for SHOs and SpRs in obstetrics and gynaecology.
The instruments used in laparoscopic surgery include both endo-loops and endo-pouches, electrical forceps, zitzinger and also point diathermy. Our course will familiarise delegates with such equipment and to gain experience in using them. The course is strictly limited to 12 delegates to ensure adequate time at each skill station. The course is split into two portions; the morning sessions are lectures on the surgical skills of laparoscopy, and also video demonstrations of the four surgical techniques in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.
There is also a lecture on the use of transvaginal ultrasound scanning and the use of Beta HCG in the investigation of women with suspected ectopic pregnancy. The lecture concludes with a video presentation of transvaginal scanning and ectopic pregnancy. The afternoon session consists of a number of skill stations, with hands-on experience of endo-loops, endo-bags, Zeitzinger and diathermy. Also stations to practice hand/eye co-ordination and to improve manual dexterity. The course is concluded with feedback and the presentation of certificates of attendance. All of the lecturers are Consultant Obstetricians & Gynaecologists with an interest in laparoscopic surgery and/or transvaginal scanning. Three are RCOG preceptors in minimal assess surgery.
The course is held on the first Friday of April and the first Friday of September and takes place in the Postgraduate Education Centre at Watford General Hospital. The lecture theatre has full audio-visual equipment including Powerpoint and video equipment. NB. The course is usually heavily over subscribed and therefore it is recommended that applications are sent in early with the spaces being allocated on a first come, first served basis. Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation The Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation has been set up by a number of individuals who are interested in the management of ectopic pregnancy. They come from various branches of medicine including Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Genito-urinary medical specialists and counsellors.
The aim of the foundation is to increase awareness of ectopic pregnancy among both general practitioners and patients. Other aims include education in both the diagnosis and management of women with ectopic pregnancy. The foundation also encourages women to share their experiences of ectopic pregnancy. It is appreciated that this condition can be extremely stressful and worrying and some women will require the services of an experienced counsellor. The foundation also aims to provide information to patients on subsequent pregnancies and the management that they may require.
Foundation
Mr Laurie Montgomery Irvine
Mr Malcolm Padwick
Mr Simon Barton
Dr M Ingram
