[Timing of pregnancy after surgery for tubal pregnancy]

To investigate the outcome of pregnancy in women after surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy and measures to improve the rate of successful postoperative pregnancy.

A retrospective study was conducted among 424 women who underwent surgical treatment for tubal pregnancy between Jan 1999 and Jan 2004. All patients desiring a second pregnancy were followed up for 18-72 months for the outcome. Cumulative fertility and recurrence curve were compared and calculated by life-table.

Of the 424 women with tubal pregnancy, 177 (41.7%) had intrauterine pregnancy after the operation, while 102 (24.1%) had recurrent ectopic pregnancy. Among the 177 women with intrauterine pregnancy, 85 (48.02%) became pregnant within 6 months after the operation, 133 (75.14%) within one year, and the cumulative intrauterine pregnancy rate approached 94.92% within 2 years. But among the 102 women with recurrent ectopic pregnancy, only 10 (9.8%) were pregnant within 6 months after the operation, and 49 (48.04%) within 18 months, with a cumulative ectopic pregnancy rate of 67.65%.

For women receiving surgery for ectopic pregnancy, the chance for intrauterine pregnancy can be the greatest within 6 months after operation and reduced markedly after 2 years, when recurrent ectopic pregnancy can be likely. Early plans for pregnancy and hydrotubation following the surgery may prove beneficial for raising the chances for postoperative intrauterine pregnancy.