Elective appendectomy at salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy: is it desirable?

Controversy persists regarding the desirability--indeed, the permissibility--of elective incidental appendectomy at salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy. A study of 7500 surgical specimens submitted to a central laboratory by physicians working among the Igbos of Nigeria indicates that elective appendectomy is carried out more frequently with elective salpingectomy than with emergency salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy. However, an extensive review of the literature reveals that the latter procedure is relatively safe, and one that can be recommended provided certain requirements are met.