The removal of an ectopic pregnancy is performed today almost always laparoscopically. Through two to four very small incisions, the gynecologist visualizes the ectopic pregnancy, which is usually located in one of the two fallopian tubes.
The surgery may be performed with preservation of the affected tube and removal of the ectopic pregnancy.
The decision to preserve the affected tube is made during the procedure, if it is found that the other (contralateral tube) is also pathological.
Thus, in order to preserve the woman’s potential future fertility, the tube may be maintained. This, however, increases the likelihood of a future ectopic pregnancy, with a probability of about 1:5 compared with 1:10 in the case of removal of the entire tube.
