Treatment for Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threateningcondition. Such pregnancies cannot continue to birth. The developing cells mustbe removed to save the mother's life.
The treatment depends on the size and location of the pregnancy. An early ectopic pregnancy can be treatedwith methotrexate injection, which stops the growth of the embryo.
In case of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, surgery (laprotomy) is performed.
Surgical removal of the abnormal pregnancy canbe done using laproscopy, also known as keyhole surgery where one or two smallincisions are made on the lower abdomen and a laproscope is introduced toremove the abnormal pregnancy.
A fallopian tube ruptured from an ectopic pregnancy may require salpingectomy.
Lessextensive surgery can be done if the ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed earlierbefore the tube is stretched too much or becomes ruptured. In this case, it maybe possible to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair the tube, allowing it to function.
After treating an ectopic pregnancy, it is important to consult the doctor fora continued period of time. Regular hCG checks may be required. An hCG levelthat remains high could indicate that the ectopic tissue was not entirelyremoved. If this is the case, an additional surgery or medical management maybe required.
