Recurrent ectopic pregnancy after ipsilateral segmental salpingectomy

We report an unusual case of recurrent ectopic pregnancy in the distal remnant after partial salpingectomy.

A 23-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic right partial salpingectomy because of right tubal pregnancy. She returned to our hospital 2 years later with a positive pregnancy test and lower abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed no intrauterine gestational sac but a right adnexal mass measuring 2.4 x 2.3 cm. The serum beta-hCG (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin) level was 2,918.06 mIU/mL. Videolaparoscopy was performed, and an ectopic pregnancy in the distal remnant of the right fallopian tube was identified. Right salpingectomy was effective and the pathologic report confirmed the diagnosis. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful.

If conservative methods are not suitable for a patient with tubal pregnancy, total salpingectomy is the preferred option over partial salpingectomy. A remnant poses a risk for recurrent ectopic pregnancy owing to potential transperitoneal migration of either embryos or sperms.