Repeated Ectopic Pregnancy after Unilateral or Bilateral Salpingectomy in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Abstract

Embryo implantation occurs at the fallopian tubes, namely tubal pregnancy, is the major pattern of ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopic salpingectomy and salpingotomy are the common ways to treat tubal pregnancies based on the damage degree of the tubes. Repeated ectopic pregnancies after unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy are rare reported but not uncommon in assisted reproductive technology (ART). This case report presents three women have had unilateral/bilateral laparoscopic salpingectomy due to at least two previous tubal pregnancies, but they experience repeated tubal pregnancies during their ART treatment. We suggest that the gynecologists should take carefully consideration on patient’s future fertility when performing the surgical treatment on tubal pregnancies. Salpingectomy without proximal tube ligation potentially increase the risk of residual tubal pregnancy in ART treatment. Frozen blastocyst transfer might be an optimal option for those women with the history of repeated ectopic pregnancy.