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Ectopic Pregnancy: Salpingo Oophorectomy

What Is Salpingo-Oophorectomy–Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized ovum attaches itself to tissues other than those on the uterine wall.  Such implantations often take place in the Fallopian tubes and have been known to occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen.  This causes tissue damage as the implanted embryo attempts to reach an adequate blood supply.  Salpingo-oophorectomy is one way of treating an ectopic pregnancy.  By removing one or both fallopian tubes and ovaries, the patient can potentially continue with the full 3 trimesters without further complications.   

Prior to the procedure, the patient receives general or regional anesthesia.  If a laparoscopic procedure is chosen, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdominal wall beneath the navel and inserts a laparoscope attached to a camera and video monitor.  Using these images as a guide, the surgeon removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes through a small incision above the vagina.  By using a laparoscopic technology, the patient is usually well enough to leave the hospital within 1 to 2 days.   

On the other hand, if a laparoscopic procedure is not chosen, the surgeon makes a vertical incision from the pubic bone to the navel or a horizontal incision across the pubic hairline, where the resulting scar is less noticeable.  In this case, the patient usually remains in the hospital for 2 to 5 days and returns to normal activity within 3 to 6 weeks.  Discomfort around the incision may persist for the first 3 days after salpingo-oophorectomy procedures.  Careful monitoring of the developing fetus is important throughout the entire pregnancy thereafter.