Salpingectomy remains the standard surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy. The mode of access--laparotomy versus laparoscopy--should not influence the choice of treatment. The determining factors in the choice of surgical treatment of tubal pregnancy are the patient's vital signs, desire for future fertility, age, previous history of infertility and tubal status, and the availability of and accessibility to assisted reproductive technology. The technique of salpingectomy consists of complete removal of the fallopian tube, including the proximal isthmus but not the interstitial portion. Care must be taken not to damage the vascular supply of the ovary.