A potential risk with laparoscopic surgery for an ectopic pregnancy is an incisional hernia. When the trocar (the device used to penetrate the laparoscopic surgery site) is removed at the end of the surgery, the opening usually closes naturally. Hernias arise when the abdominal wall fails to close after the trocar is removed. One potential problem is that a small section of bowel can become trapped in the defect, which can lead to obstruction. This is rare, and usually occurs only in a large-diameter trocar site.

 

If an abdominal wall defect is detected, it may have to be closed with either laparoscopic surgery or an open surgery. If a small bowel obstruction has occurred, surgery may be necessary to repair or even remove the damaged part of bowel.