Ectopic pregnancy is one of the common acute abdominal conditions in obstetrics and gynecology. And tubal pregnancy is the most common ectopic pregnancy. Currently, most tubal ectopic pregnancies are treated by laparoscopic surgery or methotrexate. In the surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy, both salpingo-oophorectomy (preservation of the fallopian tubes and elimination of trophoblast cells) and salpingo-oophorectomy (complete removal of the fallopian tubes) can be performed laparoscopically. Because of the protection of both fallopian tubes, salpingo-oophorectomy is often the patient’s first choice. The former seems to better protect a woman’s future fertility compared to the latter. However, there is little evidence to support this hypothesis. To assess whether tubectomy improves the rate of spontaneous postoperative conception, Dutch researchers Femke Mol et al. conducted an open, multicenter, randomized controlled trial and published their findings in The Lancet. Between Sept. 24, 2004, and Nov. 29, 2011, the researchers selected 446 women with ectopic pregnancies in one fallopian tube and normal fallopian tubes on the opposite side, and randomized them to either the salpingectomy group or the vasectomy group. Finally, 215 patients were enrolled in the tubectomy group and 231 patients were enrolled in the vasectomy group. Based on the follow-up results, the investigators found that trophoblastic tumors were more likely to occur in the tubectomy group (7%) compared with the vasectomy group (<1%). The incidence of repeat ectopic pregnancies was similar in the tubectomy and salpingectomy groups at 8% and 5%, respectively. And there was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of pregnancies conceived after ovulation-promoting treatment or intrauterine insemination, or in vitro fertilization. A meta-analysis of the results of another study by the researchers found that vasectomy did not improve fertility prospects compared with tubectomy. Therefore, tubectomy should be the preferred modality for ectopic pregnancy surgery. Based on the findings and clinical practice, scholars at the University of Leuven Fertility Center recommend that women with ectopic pregnancies should opt for tubectomy if the contralateral tube is abnormal. This will increase the cumulative intrauterine pregnancy rate. If the contralateral tube is normal but the woman with ectopic pregnancy is over 35 years of age or has a history of infertility. At this point, the benefits (increased cumulative intrauterine pregnancy rate) outweigh the risks (increased incidence of trophoblastic tumors) from the patient's perspective. The physician should likewise opt for a vasectomy. In contrast, the potential benefits and risks of both techniques coexist in women with ectopic pregnancies who are younger than 35 years of age, have normal contralateral fallopian tubes, and have no history of infertility or tubal disease. The surgeon should work with the patient to determine the most appropriate surgical option based on surgical experience.