In a nutshell
This study investigated if surgical treatment for an ectopic pregnancy had an impact on subsequent pregnancy rates. The authors concluded that salpingotomy is associated with a higher rate of pregnancy following the surgical procedure.
Some background
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition which occurs when an embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. It is a serious and life-threatening condition which also impacts female fertility. Surgery is a necessary treatment for many women. Salpingectomy is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of a fallopian tube. Salpingotomy involves the surgical removal of the ectopic pregnancy, but not the tube. Studies have investigated the impact of these procedures on female fertility, however conflicting results have emerged.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed data from 10 published studies. A total of 1229 participants were included. These women underwent either salpingectomy (tube removal) or salpingotomy (ectopic removal).
The chance of subsequent pregnancy was higher in women that underwent ectopic removal rather than tube removal (24%). Women who underwent laproscopic (minimially invasive) surgery had similar pregnancy rates following either procedure. Patients who underwent ectopic removal had 11.61 times the risk of a persistent ectopic pregnancy (part of the pregnancy remains following surgery).
The bottom line
The study suggested that ectopic removal has an increased rate of subsequent pregnancy. It is also, however, associated with increased risk of persistent ectopic pregnancy.
The fine print
This meta-analysis reviewed data from American and European patients only. Saplingotomy may spare the tube but it is not clear whether it actually restores tube function. Since women have two fallopian tubes, it could be the case that fertilization occurs in the ‘healthy’ tube.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding ectopic pregnancy please consult your doctor.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Mar 25, 2016
