American Society for Reproductive Medicine

10/17/2021 | Press release | Archived content

Black And Hispanic Women More Likely To Have “Open” Surgery Vs. Miminally Invasive Approach To Treating Ectopic Pregnancy Compared To White Women

Black And Hispanic Women More Likely To Have "Open" Surgery Vs. Miminally Invasive Approach To Treating Ectopic Pregnancy Compared To White Women

Oct 17, 2021
Author: ASRM
Origin: ASRM Press Release

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE'S 2021 SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS

Compared to white women, Black and Hispanic women were more likely to have their ectopic pregnancies treated with "open" surgery rather than the laparoscopic (minimally invasive) approach from 2010-2019. For this study, researchers evaluated data from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Of the 9,164 patients undergoing surgical management of a tubal ectopic pregnancy, 85% underwent laparoscopic surgery while 14% had open surgery, which requires a longer recovery time. The researchers found that Black and Hispanic women had greater odds of undergoing the open surgery. That trend was consistent throughout the study period, although from 2010 to 2019, the laparoscopic approach increased in use from 80.8% to 90.8%.

The data also revealed that Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to have their ectopic pregnancies treated with salpingectomy, which is surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes rather than salpingostomy, a surgical unblocking of the tube. The study offers no reasons for the disparities.

Ectopic, or tubal pregnancy is caused when a fertilized egg lodges in a fallopian tube instead of continuing its journey to the uterus. When that happens, the fertilized egg cannot survive. Yet as it grows, it can cause the tube to rupture, threatening the life of the woman, so immediate surgical treatment, whether laparoscopic or open surgery is needed.

"As more and more states pass abortion bans which would also outlaw appropriate treatment of ectopic pregnancies, we see yet again how these measures can have a disproportionate impact on women of color. These restrictions are unconscionable and we at ASRM will continue to use research like this to make the case to stop them," said Marcelle Cedars, M.D., President-elect of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

O-4, A. Huttler et al, DISPARITIES IN SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TUBAL ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

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For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org

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