Movie: Laparoscopic salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, that is a pregnancy which implants outside the womb, is increasingly common. In most cases, the pregnancy implants in the fallopian tube. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent catastrophic haemorrhage, and laparoscopic salpingectomy is one of the standard modes of management. Laparoscopic surgery has the advantage compared with laparotomy (surgery via a large abdominal incision) that there is less post-operative discomfort, and recovery is much faster. Salpingectomy involves removing the affected fallopian tube, and is indicated if the tube has been obviously damaged by the pregnancy.