Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized ovum is implanted in any tissue other than the uterine wall. Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube (so-called tubal pregnancies), but implantation can also occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen.

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatment

Early treatment of an ectopic pregnancy with the drug methotrexate has proven to be a viable alternative to surgical treatment since 1993. If administered early in the pregnancy, methotrexate can disrupt the growth of the developing embryo causing the cessation of pregnancy.

Related Topics:
Methotrexate - 1993

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Surgical treatment

If hemorrhaging has already occurred, surgical intervention is necessary to halt blood loss and reduce the risk of shock. Surgeon use laparoscopy or laparotomy to gain access to the pelvis and can either incise the affected Fallopian and remove only the pregnancy (salpingostomy) or remove the affected tube with the pregnancy (salpingectomy). The first successful surgery for an ectopic pregnancy was performed by Robert Lawson Tait in 1883. The chance of future pregnancy depends on the status of the tube(s) that are left behind, but is decreased. Often, patients may have to resort to IVF to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Related Topics:
Shock - Salpingectomy - Robert Lawson Tait - 1883 - IVF

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A case in England in August 2005 in which a fetus in an ectopic pregnancy was successfully carried to term and delivered by Caesarean section is an example of a very rare medical event, possible only when the site of implantation is outside the Fallopian tube - in this instance, the abdomen. The woman and the medical staff were unaware of her condition until she was delivered. There are only a dozen or so known cases of this in the world. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4197194.stm

Related Topics:
England - August 2005 - Caesarean section

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