Reproductive considerations during abdominal surgical procedures in young women.

The state of the art in reproductive technology is changing so rapidly that the future is hard to predict. In this regard, surgeons performing abdominal procedures in young women must be aware of the adverse reproductive effects of common surgical procedures. They should adopt changes in technique and practices to reduce adhesion formation. They should also be aware of the contemporary approach to the management of the various forms of tubal pregnancy and ovarian tumors of low malignant potential or of germ cell origin. The availability and success of changes in reproductive technology should lead to a reappraisal of the indications for hysterectomy, especially in young women. If there are indications for surgical excision of the ovaries and oviducts, the decision to remove the uterus should be made separately. The indication for hysterectomy needs to be very carefully considered, and the patient's input is critical.