Linear salpingostomy for ectopic pregnancy.

Linear salpingostomy is the procedure of choice for management of uncomplicated ectopic gestations if certain constraints are met. The procedure is straightforward and may be performed by laparotomy. However, laparoscopic salpingostomy is becoming the preferred approach. Additionally, laparoscopy decreased operative time, hospital stay, and patient recovery time. Postoperatively, patients should be observed with weekly assessment of beta-hCG titers to ensure complete resorption of any viable trophoblast. Failure of resorption may result in a persistent ectopic pregnancy. Reproductive outcome is preserved in most patients, with intra-uterine pregnancy rates that approach 60%. Recurrent ectopic gestation rates of 15% are acceptable in view of subsequent close surveillance in women who have undergone previous salpingostomies, which also facilitates earlier diagnosis.