Laparoendoscopic single-site compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery for gynaecological acute abdomen in pregnant women

Objective To estimate the safety and feasibility of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in pregnant patients with acute abdomen. Methods Baseline characteristics, surgical results, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were retrospectively compared between single and multiport procedures in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy between 2017 and 2021. Results Fifty-four pregnant patients were included: 26 who underwent LESS (salpingectomy, 11 cases/cystectomy, 15 cases) and 28 who underwent conventional laparoscopic surgeries (salpingectomy, 12 cases/cystectomy, 16 cases) during pregnancy. One patient in the single-port group required additional ports. No patients converted to laparotomy. In patients undergoing salpingectomy, the single-port group showed lower 8- and 24-h postoperative pain scores, shorter hospital stays, and lower Self-rating Anxiety Scale scores prior to discharge versus conventional laparoscopy. One patient experienced postoperative vaginal bleeding and a missed abortion during follow-up. In patients receiving cystectomy, 8- and 24-h pain scores, postoperative hospital stay, and anxiety scores were lower in the single-port versus multiport group. Other outcomes were comparable between the groups. Conclusion The feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy is similar between single- or multiport routes, however, the single-port route may be associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and lower anxiety.