Abstract
The objective of this article is to review the published literature on the diagnosis and management of interstitial pregnancies (IPs). IPs account for 2–6% of all ectopic pregnancies and have the potential to cause life-threatening haemorrhage resulting in a 2–5% mortality rate. There is little consensus on the best practice for diagnosing and managing interstitial pregnancies. By reviewing the published data, we set out to determine what the best evidence-based practice for the management of interstitial ectopic pregnancies is, what protocols can be used and whether this improves post-operative outcomes and future fertility rates.
Highlights
The diagnosis and management of interstitial pregnancies (IPs) remains challenging, largely due to the rarity of this diagnosis
There is limited evidence on interstitial pregnancies and their management with current evidence consisting of small case series with no randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
Definition, incidence, and pathophysiology An interstitial pregnancy (IP) occurs when the blastocyst implants in the most proximal section of the fallopian tube, which is within the myometrium [1]
Summary
The diagnosis and management of interstitial pregnancies (IPs) remains challenging, largely due to the rarity of this diagnosis. There is limited evidence on interstitial pregnancies and their management with current evidence consisting of small case series with no randomised controlled trials (RCTs). This review will perform a comprehensive and systematic review of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of interstitial pregnancies, to help work toward a consensus on the appropriate management of such cases. Definition, incidence, and pathophysiology An interstitial pregnancy (IP) occurs when the blastocyst implants in the most proximal section of the fallopian tube (called the interstitial portion), which is within the myometrium [1]. This interstitial section of the fallopian tube is approximately 0.7-mm wide and 1–2-cm long [2]
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