Laparoscopy can be used as a tool for diagnosing and treating some medical conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, by actually looking inside your abdomen. This technique offers patients many advantages over traditional surgery. With laparoscopy for an ectopic pregnancy, patients usually have shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times because it is a simpler, less invasive procedure.

 

An alternative to laparoscopic surgery is having a major abdominal surgery called a laparotomy. However, this alternative carries the same risks as laparoscopic surgery, requires a much longer recovery period, and causes more pain and discomfort. Therefore, when laparoscopic surgery is possible, it is the preferred ectopic pregnancy treatment (if treatment with medications is not possible) since diagnosis and treatment can be achieved through this method at a lower risk and less discomfort.