Treatment of ectopic pregnancy: termination of pregnancy, medication, surgery

Treatment depends on the woman's condition, her age, the location of the ectopic pregnancy and its findings. The preservation of the woman's fertility is also taken into account.

In the first place, treatment is aimed at the timely termination of an ectopic pregnancy. There is a great risk of rupture or bleeding from the closure of the organ, which always threatens the life of the mother.

In ectopic pregnancy, either necrosis of the fetus occurs while it is still developing, or the birth of an affected newborn.

The termination of ectopic pregnancy is determined by the condition of the mother and the position of the fetus.

In the case of an acute condition that threatens the life of the mother, in the case of large blood loss and in high-risk patients, an emergency surgical incision is performed. At that time, the abdominal wall is cut open to gain access directly into the abdominal cavity and remove the ectopic pregnancy. If the fetus is located in the ovary or has damaged the fallopian tube, its complete removal is necessary.

Another option is laparoscopy, which is one of the least invasive methods. During laparoscopy, procedures such as expulsion of the fetal egg, cutting the fallopian tube, and removal of the fallopian tube are performed.

Systemic treatment with methotrexate, which blocks the DNA in rapidly growing tissues, is also used. However, its use is subject to strict criteria and it can usually be used in only one-third of women.

It is also important to monitor the woman regularly, especially because of the risk of internal bleeding or pain.