Abstract
It is believed by some that the basis of modern first-trimester pregnancy care should involve screening for ectopic pregnancy using vaginal ultrasonography. This has led to this condition being diagnosed in most cases at an earlier stage than has previously been possible. This advance in diagnostic ability has introduced the concept of conservative management for this condition. The authors describe the conservative management of nine cases of ectopic pregnancy using intrachorionic injection of either methotrexate alone or in combination with POR 8. In all cases less than 9 weeks had passed since the last menstrual period, and the ectopic pregnancies treated under ultrasound control were all thought to be viable. Five cases were treated using pelviscopy, whilst in another four the needle was guided using vaginal ultrasonography. There were no procedure-related complications. Following therapy, the women were followed up using serial levels of serum beta-hCG. In seven cases there was a gradual reduction to normal levels. There were two treatment 'failures'. In both these cases methotrexate alone, rather than in combination with POR 8, was used for injection. Although formal tests of tubal patency have not been performed in all cases, one woman in the series has since conceived and has a normal intrauterine pregnancy. It is concluded that vaginal instillation of methotrexate is an alternative treatment for early ectopic pregnancy. It should be limited to viable ectopic pregnancies whose chorionic cavities are less than 2.0 cm in diameter. A plan for the management of ectopic pregnancy is presented, involving selection for both ultrasound-guided injection and pelviscopic surgery. Laparotomy is not considered to be a treatment option in the majority of cases.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.