What are the treatment options for ectopic pregnancy?
Several treatment options are possible if diagnosis is made before the fallopian tube ruptures. • Surgery – the embryo is surgically removed using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. The surgeon makes a small incision near or in the navel, inserts a thin tube with a camera and light at the end (laparoscope) to view the area. Other surgical instruments are inserted into a tube or through other small incisions to remove the ectopic tissue. If the fallopian tube is damaged it will either be removed or repaired. • Medication – if the ectopic pregnancy is detected soon enough methotrexate is injected into the patient’s muscle or directly into the fallopian tube to halt cell growth and dissolve existing cells. The patient is then monitored for blood levels of HCG (chorionic gonadotropin). If blood HCG levels do not drop, the patient may receive another injection. This drug can cause abdominal pain as a side effect. • Wait and see – if the symptoms are very mild the doctor may recommend waiting t
