Description:

Ectopic pregnancy treatment involves medical and surgical methods to address an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is not viable and poses significant health risks to the mother, including life-threatening bleeding. The treatment aims to safely terminate the ectopic pregnancy and protect the mother’s health.

Indications:

  • Non-viable Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue because the fertilized egg cannot survive outside the uterus.
  • Risk to the Mother: Without treatment, an ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
  • Symptoms and Pain: Women with an ectopic pregnancy may experience severe pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of internal bleeding, requiring immediate treatment.

Procedure:

  1. Medical Treatment: For early ectopic pregnancies without signs of rupture or severe pain, methotrexate, a medication that stops the growth of the embryo’s cells, may be administered. This allows the body to absorb the pregnancy naturally.
  2. Surgical Treatment: If the ectopic pregnancy is advanced, the fallopian tube has ruptured, or methotrexate is not suitable, a laparoscopic surgery is performed. This involves removing part or all of the fallopian tube (salpingotomy or salpingectomy).
  3. Aftercare: Following treatment, hCG levels (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in the blood are regularly monitored to ensure the entire pregnancy has been resolved and no further complications occur. The patient is given recovery instructions and recommendations for future pregnancies.

Benefits:

  • Prompt Intervention: Treating an ectopic pregnancy prevents potentially life-threatening complications like internal bleeding.
  • Preservation of Fertility: Early diagnosis and treatment can preserve the fallopian tube and fertility in many cases.
  • Minimally Invasive: Medical treatment and laparoscopic surgery offer less invasive options with shorter recovery times and less pain.