Ectopic Pregnancy:

Abstract

Ectopic pregnancy is a common condition with the immediate risk of life-threatening hemorrhage and subsequent risks of infertility and recurrence. Despite remarkable advances in diagnosis and treatment, ectopic pregnancies account for 9% of all maternal deaths. Early diagnosis has led to the development of innovative surgical and nonsurgical options. The choice of treatment, including expectant, medical, and surgical approaches, depends on ectopic location, symptoms, gestational age, and future fertility desires. Goals are to make the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy early and provide the most effective and least invasive procedure while sparing future fertility when desired.

Extrauterine pregnancies-risk factors and management

“…The most common side effects are mild stomatitis and gastrointestinal upset such as abdominal pain. Methotrexate is used for both tubal and interstitial pregnancies [1].…”

“…The oldest and still the most effective treatment for EPs is surgery [1,3]. Laparoscopic treatment decreases postoperative pain, intraoperative blood loss, costs, hospital stay and speeds up the return to normal life compared with laparotomy.…”

“…In ectopic pregnancy (EP), the gestational sac is outside the normal uterus. Approximately 95% of EPs are located in the Fallopian tube [1]. EPs may also occur in the cervix or in intra-abdominal structures like the ovary or a cesarean scar.…”

“…), transvaginal ultrasonography (tubal ring, fluid in Pouch of Douglas, etc.) and repeated measurement of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations still constitute the suspicion of EP [1,3]. Many potential serum biomarkers that could simplify the diagnosis of EP are under research (e.g.…”

“…inhibin A and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) [7]. Early diagnosis is important in allowing the use of all treatment options and the retention of optimal fertility [1,8]. EP may be managed expectantly, medically or surgically.…”