[Surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy]

Recent advances in therapeutics have considerably modified the management of ectopic pregnancy. However, surgical management is still indicated in some patients. Laparoscopic procedure is the reference surgical approach for the management of ectopic pregnancy. It reduces length of hospital stay, analgesic requirement, hospital cost, the risk of post-surgical adherence and is also associated with lower morbidity and better esthetic appearance. Laparotomy is now only performed in individuals for whom laparoscopy is contra-indicated. Patients can be treated conservatively, tubotomy with removal of the products of conception or radically, salpingectomy. In order to lower the failure rate and the risk of re-occurrence, some operative procedures are required including regular washing of the abdominal cavity, adhesiolysis and extraction in a protective bag. The choice of treatment is generally guided by the patient's past medical history and the wish to bear future children.