Evaluation of postoperative fertility of patients who received surgical treatment in our clinic with the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

Objective: Evaluation of Postoperative Fertility in Patients Treated Surgically in Our Clinic with a Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy Patients and Management: Patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and treated surgically at Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between August 2018 and August 2023 were included in the study. Access to patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and operated on at our hospital was obtained through the hospital's information management system. The clinical and laboratory data of the patients were examined through the system. Patients who underwent surgical treatment were grouped according to the method used: salpingectomy, salpingostomy, or milking technique. The data were analyzed through comparative analysis and the results were evaluated using statistical methods. Results: Patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy between August 2018 and August 2023, within the age range of 18-45, were included in the study. A total of 176 patients were divided into three groups based on the type of surgery they underwent: 69 (39.2%) underwent salpingectomy, 75 (42.6%) underwent salpingostomy, and 34 (19.3%) underwent the milking technique. Patients outside the age range of 18-45, those treated with only medical therapy, those treated with expectant management, and those who underwent laparotomic surgery were excluded from the study. The patients were compared in terms of age, history of abortion, previous abdominal/pelvic surgery, history of ectopic pregnancy, IUD usage, and IVF pregnancy history. No significant difference was observed in terms of fertility. Among the surgical procedures, salpingostomy and milking techniques were found to have more favorable outcomes regarding postoperative fertility compared to salpingectomy. In our study, there was no statistically significant relationship between post-operative pregnancy status and risk factors such as a history of abortion, previous abdominal/pelvic surgery, previous ectopic pregnancy, IUD, or IVF. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of our study provide important insights into fertility outcomes following surgery for ectopic pregnancy. Our findings are largely consistent with the data reported in the literature. The effects of surgical treatment methods on postoperative fertility vary depending on the patient's age, surgical history, and the type of treatment applied. Correct management of surgical interventions plays a critical role in preserving the patients' fertility potential at the highest level. Keywords: Ectopic Pregnancy, Fertility, Salpingectomy, Salpingostomy, Serum β-hCG.