Management Of Ectopic Pregnancy Research Articles

A 20 year experience in the management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary hospital – a retrospective review

BackgroundNon-tubal ectopic pregnancies account for < 10% of all ectopic pregnancies. Due to its rarity and wide variation in clinical practice, there is no guideline or consensus for its management. We reported our 20-year experience in the management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary hospital.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of all women admitted for non-tubal ectopic pregnancies from January 2003 to December 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Women with non-tubal ectopic pregnancies diagnosed by ultrasound or operation were included for analysis.ResultsWithin the study period, 180 women were diagnosed to have non-tubal ectopic pregnancies at a mean gestation of 6.8 weeks. 16.7% (30/180) were conceived via assisted reproduction. Medical treatment was the first-line management option for 81 women, of which 75 (92.1%) women received intralesional methotrexate administered under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. The success rate of intralesional methotrexate ranges from 76.5% to 92.3%. Intralesional methotrexate was successful even in cases with a positive fetal pulsation or with high human chorionic gonadotrophin levels up to 252605U/L. Twenty seven women were managed expectantly and 40 underwent surgery. Nine (11.1%), two (6.1%), and one (2.3%) women required surgery due to massive or recurrent bleeding following medical, expectant, or surgical treatment. Hysterotomy and uterine artery embolization were necessary to control bleeding in one Caesarean scar and one cervical pregnancy.ConclusionsIntralesional methotrexate is more effective than systemic methotrexate and should be considered as first line medical treatment for non-tubal ectopic pregnancies. It has a high success rate in the management of unruptured non-tubal ectopic pregnancies even in the presence of fetal pulsations or high human chorionic gonadotrophin levels, but patients may require a prolonged period of monitoring. Close surveillance and readily available surgery were required due to the risk of heavy post-procedural intra-abdominal bleeding.

Surgical management of an ectopic pregnancy in the setting of an unexpected Müllerian anomaly – intraoperative and postoperative implications

ObjectiveTo describe the intraoperative and postoperative implications arising from the unexpected diagnosis of a Müllerian anomaly during the surgical management of an ectopic pregnancy. DesignVideo article. SettingAcademic Center. Subject(s)A 39-year-old nulligravid woman with anovulation and irregular menstrual cycles presented to the office. Her urine pregnancy test was incidentally positive; serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level was 5,644 mIU/mL. Outpatient transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) demonstrated a 2.1 x 1.7 x 2.2-cm thick-walled structure in the left adnexa without an intrauterine pregnancy. These findings were highly suspicious for a left tubal ectopic pregnancy. The patient was consented for laparoscopy with planned left salpingectomy. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online including social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, etc.) and other applicable sites. InterventionDiagnostic laparoscopy did not show an obvious left tubal ectopic pregnancy. Instead, a right unicornuate uterus with a dilated rudimentary left uterine horn was seen. Both fallopian tubes and ovaries appeared normal. These laparoscopic findings were consistent with an ectopic pregnancy in the rudimentary horn. However, in the absence of informed consent for a hemi-hysterectomy and no evidence of ectopic rupture or bleeding within the pelvis, we decided to proceed with excision of the ectopic pregnancy from the uterine horn. An incision was made over the anterior surface of the uterine horn, and the pregnancy sac was dissected from the underlying myometrium and excised in its entirety. Left salpingectomy was also performed. The patient was discharged home the same day, and her β-hCG levels decreased to <5 mIU/mL within 28 days of surgery. Main Outcome MeasuresComplete resolution of a left rudimentary uterine horn ectopic pregnancy through surgical excision of the pregnancy sac without hemi-hysterectomy. ResultsPostoperative hysterosalpingography (HSG) demonstrated a right unicornuate uterus with normal fill and spill of the right fallopian tube. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis confirmed the findings of a right unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating left rudimentary uterine horn that did not contain any endometrial tissue. Thus, the patient did not require an interval hemihysterectomy. She underwent letrozole and intrauterine insemination treatment 5 months after the initial surgery, which resulted in a clinical intrauterine pregnancy. However, this pregnancy was terminated in the early second trimester due to findings of trisomy 18. She conceived naturally one year later, and this pregnancy resulted in a full-term vaginal birth at 39 weeks gestation. ConclusionUndiagnosed or unexpected Müllerian anomalies can impact the standard intraoperative and postoperative management of ectopic pregnancies.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

A pregnancy that occurs in any place other than the endometrial cavity is called ectopic pregnancy. Objectives: The main aim of the study is to find a comparative analysis of medical and surgical management of ectopic pregnancy. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Hospital Civil/SPH Quetta. from January 2023 to December 2023. Data was collected from 220 patients. Comprehensive clinical and demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records. These included patient age, gravidity, parity, gestational age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, imaging results, serum β-hCG levels, treatment modalities utilised, procedural specifics, and post-intervention outcomes. Results: Data were collected from 220 patients suffering from ectopic pregnancies. The mean age of patients in the medical management group was 29.2±4.3 years, and 29.8±4.1 years in the surgical management group. Nulligravid patients were more prevalent in the medical management group (58%) compared to the surgical management group (45%), while multigravida patients were more evenly distributed between the two groups (42% vs. 55%). In comparing medical and surgical management of ectopic pregnancy, surgical management demonstrated a higher success rate (95%) compared to medical management (85%). Medical management with methotrexate typically resolved ectopic pregnancies within an average of 17 days, whereas surgical interventions varied in time to resolution. However, surgical management had a slightly higher complication rate (12%) than medical management (10%). Conclusion: It is concluded that both medical and surgical management options demonstrate high efficacy in resolving ectopic pregnancy, with considerations for individual patient characteristics and clinical presentations.

Diagnostic and management dilemmas of pregnancies at the utero-tubal junction: A case series and management algorithm.

A pregnancy at the utero-tubal junction is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and is associated with high maternal morbidity if it remains undetected. In the present study we discuss four cases of ectopic pregnancies at the utero-tubal junction which caused diagnostic and management dilemmas. Four cases of early pregnancies with the gestational sac (G-sac) implanted near the utero-tubal junction are described. In case 1 this was suspected after a failed attempt at dilatation and curettage at our hospital, cases 2 and 3 presented with amenorrhea and pain abdomen and case 4 was diagnosed on first pregnancy documentation scan after frozen embryo transfer. As initial two-dimensional (2D) transvaginal scan (TVS) failed to diagnose the exact location of the G-sac, three-dimensional (3D) TVS helped to localize the exact location of pregnancy and subsequent individualized management. Case 1 had a partial intramural ectopic pregnancy managed by laparotomy and removal of the ectopic sac. The second and third cases were eccentric uterine pregnancies. The fourth was an interstitial ectopic pregnancy managed by a laparoscopic loop and stitch technique. This case series describes the role of 3D TVS for the evaluation of pregnancies implanted at the utero-tubal junction and individual management of eccentric intrauterine, interstitial ectopic and intramural ectopic pregnancies. A diagnostic algorithm for such types of cases and management options is discussed.

The effects of conservative and surgical approaches in tubal ectopic pregnancy on fertility.

Medical treatment, expectant approaches, and surgical treatment options are available in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Regardless of the treatment, in addition to its effectiveness, the main concern is to limit the risk of relapse and preserve fertility. Determine the impact of medical or surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy on future fertility. Retrospective. Department of obstrtrics and gynecolgy at Ankara Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Women's Health Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Patients who were treated for ectopic pregnancy between June 2016 and November 2019 were allocated into two groups. Expectant approach or medical treatment by methotrexate constituted the conservative treatment group while salpingectomy by laparoscopy indicated the surgical treatment group. Fertility rates within two years following treatment were evaluated according to treatment options. 202 patients. Of the 202 patients, 128 had medical treatment and 74 patients had surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Of 272 diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, 70 were excluded for various reasons. Parity and unemployment rate was significantly higher in the surgical treatment (P=.006 and P=.12, respectively). Moreover, ectopic mass size and serum β-hCG levels were significantly higher in the surgical treatment group (P<.001 and P<.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the conservative and surgical treatment groups in time to pregnancy (17.0 months vs 19.0 months, P=.255). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the conservative and surgical treatment groups with respect to history of infertility (P=.12). There were no significant differences between the conservative and surgical treatment groups in terms of live birth (51.6% vs 44.6%) and ectopic pregnancy (2.3% vs 1.4%) (P=.72 for both). There was no significant difference between the conservative and surgical treatment groups with respect to infertility rate (35.9% vs 41.9%, P=.72) and admittance to the IVF program (3.9% vs 6.8%, P=.39) following ectopic pregnancy treatment. Reproductive outcomes did not differ significantly in women undergoing expectant management, medical treatment, and surgery for ectopic pregnancy. This finding suggests that clinicians should not hesitate to act in favor of surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy even if there were concerns for future fertility. Retrospective study.

Steps to successful laparoscopic management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy

Steps to successful laparoscopic management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy

Hysteroscopic subchorionic injection of methotrexate followed by laparoscopic excision of the gestational sac for the management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: an innovative dual approach of a challenging pathology

This innovative two-step therapeutic approach should be considered a compelling option for managing cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy.

Successful management of an advanced interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a resource-limited setting: a case report

BackgroundInterstitial ectopic pregnancy is an ectopic gestation developing in the uterine part of the fallopian tube. The condition is rare and presents challenges for clinical as well as radiological diagnosis. This case report presents a rare case of interstitial ectopic pregnancy diagnosed intraoperatively.Case presentationA 36-year-old Black woman, referred from a peripheral health facility, presented at the emergency department with severe abdominal pains, vaginal spotting, nausea, and vomiting, with a 2-month history of irregular menstrual flow. Clinical and laboratory findings were suggestive of an acute abdomen likely due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (ultrasound was not available). An emergency exploratory laparotomy was done, which revealed a right adnexal ruptured interstitial pregnancy of a lifeless female fetus weighing 500 g (estimated mean gestational age of 22–23 weeks). The left fallopian tube looked normal. The site of rupture was repaired, followed by cleaning and closure of the abdomen. The post-operative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 7.ConclusionInterstitial pregnancies are uncommon and rarely attain advanced gestational ages, as in this case, compared with other tubal ectopic pregnancies. However, women presenting with signs of hypovolemic shock and acute abdomen, with a positive pregnancy test, warrant a high index of suspicion.

Minimally invasive management of ectopic pregnancy

Minimally invasive management of ectopic pregnancy

Cost-effectiveness analysis of expectant vs active management for treatment of persistent pregnancies of unknown location

BackgroundPersistent pregnancies of unknown location (PUL) are defined by abnormally trending serum human chorionic gonadotropin with nondiagnostic ultrasound. There is no consensus on optimal management. ObjectiveThis study was designed to assess the cost-effectiveness between three primary management strategies for persistent pregnancies of unknown location: (1) expectant management, (2) empirical two-dose methotrexate, (3) uterine evacuation followed by methotrexate, if indicated. Study DesignWe conducted a prospective economic evaluation performed concurrently with the Expectant versus Active Management for Treatment of Persistent Pregnancies of Unknown Location (ACT or NOT) multicenter randomized trial conducted from July 2014 to June 2019. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to expectant management, two-dose methotrexate, or uterine evacuation. The analysis was from the healthcare sector perspective with a 6-week time horizon following randomization. Costs were expressed in 2018 U.S. dollars. Effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and the rate of salpingectomy. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were generated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the analysis. ResultsMethotrexate had the lowest mean cost, $875, followed by expectant management $1085, and uterine evacuation $1902 (p=0.001). Expectant management had the highest mean QALY (0.1043) followed by methotrexate (0.1031) and uterine evacuation (0.0992) (p=0.0001). Salpingectomy rate was higher for expectant management compared to methotrexate (9.4% vs 1.2%; p=0.02) and expectant management compared to uterine evacuation (9.4% vs 8.1%; p=0.04). Uterine evacuation, with highest costs and lowest QALYs, was dominated by both expectant management and methotrexate. In the base case analysis, expectant management was not cost-effective compared to methotrexate at a willingness-to-pay of $150,000/QALY given an ICER of $175,083/QALY gained (95% CI, -$1,666,825-2,676,375). Threshold analysis demonstrated methotrexate administration would have to cost $214 (an increase of $16 or 8%) to favor expectant management. Expectant management would also be favorable in lower risk patient populations with rates of laparoscopic surgical management for ectopic pregnancy not exceeding 4% of pregnancies of unknown location. Based on the cost-effectiveness acceptability curves, the probability expectant management was cost-effective compared to methotrexate at a willingness-to-pay of $150,000/QALY gained was 50%. Results were dependent on the cost of surgical intervention, and the expected rate of methotrexate failure. ConclusionManagement of pregnancies of unknown location with a two-dose methotrexate protocol may be cost-effective compared to expectant management and uterine evacuation. While uterine evacuation was dominated, expectant management versus methotrexate results were sensitive to modest changes in treatment costs of both methotrexate and surgical management.

Laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy: A comparative study on the clinical benefits and impact on tubal patency and reproductive outcomes.

Ectopic pregnancy is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality across the globe. This study aims to investigate the clinical benefits of laparoscopic surgery in treating ectopic pregnancy, and its impact on tubal patency and reproductive outcomes. A clinical study was conducted to compare laparoscopic and medical conservative treatment for ectopic pregnancy. A total of 206 patients were treated for ectopic pregnancy at our hospital from January 2018 to June 2020. Among them, 46 underwent laparoscopic ipsilateral salpingectomy, 54 underwent laparoscopic ipsilateral salpingostomy with lesion removal, and 106 were treated conservatively with medication. The age range and average age of each group are provided, with no significant differences in these general demographic characteristics (p> 0.05). Both the salpingostomy and medication groups had higher rates of ectopic pregnancy compared to the salpingectomy group, with statistically significant differences (p< 0.05). The comparison of ectopic pregnancy rates between the salpingostomy and medication groups showed no significant difference. Within three years, the salpingostomy group had 10 cases of recurrent ectopic pregnancy, with 2 cases on the same side, while the medication group had 18 cases, with 8 cases on the same side. At 3 months after the normalization of blood β-HCG, the salpingostomy group showed 43 cases of tubal patency (patency rate: 79.63%), while the medication group showed 57 cases (patency rate: 53.77%), with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p= 0.01). Laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy offers significant clinical benefits over conservative medical treatment, including higher rates of tubal patency and improved reproductive outcomes. These findings support laparoscopic surgery as an effective approach for the management of ectopic pregnancy.

A case series on live ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy which develops outside uterus is called ectopic pregnancy that comprises nearly two percent of total pregnancies. In first case a 25years old female presented with lower abdominal pain and bleeding per vagina with 3 months of amenorrhea and history of irregular oral contraceptive pill use. A live ectopic pregnancy of 12 weeks 3 days gestation found on right fallopian tube during laparotomy and right salpingectomy was done. In second case, a third gravida mother presented with bleeding per vagina and lower abdominal pain with history of 2.5 months of amenorrhea and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. During laparotomy, both sided hydrosalpinx and left sided live ectopic pregnancy found on the distal end of fallopian tube and left salpingectomy with fimbriectomy with right sided tubal ligation was done. In third case, a third gravida mother with history of lower uterine caesarean section and ruptured left sided tubal ectopic pregnancy previously, presented with lower abdominal pain with 2 months of amenorrhea. Ultrasonography diagnosed a live right sided cornual ectopic pregnancy of 6weeks 6days and conservative management with injection methotrexate was started. Later due to sudden hemodynamic instability, emergency laparotomy was done and ruptured right cornual ectopic pregnancy was found and treated with total abdominal hysterectomy. All these cases were managed successfully. This case series emphasizes that early serological and sonographic diagnosis of location of pregnancy is necessary, there should be high suspicion for ectopic pregnancy even beyond the first trimester and the decision of conservative management in early ectopic pregnancy should be taken judiciously after checking all parameters of the patient.

Successful Management of Early Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy with Single Dose Methotrexate

Cervical ectopic pregnancy is an uncommon but a potentially life-threatening condition due to risk of severe haemorrhage and occasional need of hysterectomy. Transvaginal ultrasonogram is a key way to diagnose such a case. Early detection and conservative approach of treatment could limit the morbidity and preserve fertility in many cases. Here, we present a case of cervical pregnancy diagnosed by ultrasonogram at 6 weeks of gestation and treated successfully by a single dose of intramuscular methotrexate. Delta Med Col J. Jan 2021;9(1):58-61

Management of ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer: a case series and mini-review.

Ectopic pregnancy (EP), reflecting a fertilized ovum implanted outside the normal uterine cavity, represents a frequent cause of morbidity and possibly mortality in women of reproductive age. To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of EP after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). The medical records of patients who were diagnosed with EP after embryo transfer from 2017 to 2019, in a tertiary hospital were reviewed. Of the 24 cases analyzed, 21 (87.5%) had fallopian tube involvement, while 2 (8.3%) and 1 (4.2%) had cornual and cervical pregnancies, respectively. Clinical manifestations included vaginal bleeding (58.3%) and lower abdominal pain (16.7%); 9 (42.9%) cases had no symptoms. One cornual pregnancy was misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis and later correctly diagnosed by laparoscopic exploration. There were 2 cases of multiple-site EP and 2 of heterotopic pregnancy, including one with an intrauterine pregnancy with double chorionic and four amniotic sacs and right tubal ampullary pregnancy. Five of the 21 cases with fallopian tube involvement received conservative treatment, while the remaining 16 underwent surgeries, including laparoscopic ipsilateral salpingostomy and ipsilateral salpingectomy. Ectopic pregnancy after embryo transfer, mainly involving the fallopian tube, is very complex and is with diverse manifestations. Even with the pregnancy sac observed in the uterus, the pelvic cavity should be scanned thoroughly after embryo transfer.

Management of ectopic tubal pregnancy: experience of a tertiary center in Lithuania

Management of ectopic tubal pregnancy: experience of a tertiary center in Lithuania

264 BhCG decline following intrasac methotrexate for the management of cesarean-scar ectopic pregnancy: An 11-year experience.

264 BhCG decline following intrasac methotrexate for the management of cesarean-scar ectopic pregnancy: An 11-year experience.

Conservative Management of Ectopic Pregnancy Following Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Injection: A Case Report

Objectives: Ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of maternal mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy. The use of progesterone-containing contraceptives is a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. This study reports a rare case of ectopic pregnancy following a depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection that was managed conservatively. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old woman (gravida 2) was referred to the Gynecology Clinic of the Persian Gulf Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran with a history of amenorrhea, vague pelvic pain, and no past medical history, except for DMPA injection, three months before the symptoms. Ectopic pregnancy was determined based on ultrasonography and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG) evaluation. The patient was managed conservatively with serial ultrasonography and BHCG titration due to normal laboratory tests, stable clinical status, and a decline in BHCG titration. Conclusion: Amenorrhea and pelvic pain in all women of childbearing age should be considered an alarming sign of ectopic pregnancy. In case of stable hemodynamic status, the patient can be conservatively managed with serial trans-vaginal ultrasonography and evaluation of serum BHCG till the resolution of symptoms.

Efficacy, Safety and Outcomes of the Laparoscopic Management of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy as a Single Therapeutic Approach: A Case Series.

A standardized consensus for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is lacking. The study objective is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and outcomes of the laparoscopic management of CSP as a single therapeutic surgical approach without being preceded by vascular pretreatment or vasoconstrictors injection. This is a retrospective bi-centric study, a case series. Eight patients with a future desire to conceive underwent the laparoscopic treatment of unruptured CSPs. Surgery consisted of "en bloc" excision of the deficient uterine scar with the adherent tissue of conception, followed by immediate uterine repair. The data collected for each patient was age, gestity, parity, number of previous c-sections, pre-pregnancy isthmocele-related symptoms, gestational age, fetal cardiac activity, initial β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, intra-operative blood loss, blood transfusion, operative time and the postoperative complications, evaluated according to Clavien-Dindo classification. The CSP was successfully removed in all patients by laparoscopy. The surgical outcomes were favorable. All patients with histories of isthmocele-related symptoms reported postoperative resolution of symptoms. The median residual myometrium thickness increased significantly from 1.2 mm pre-operatively to 8 mm 3 to 6 months after surgery. The laparoscopic management seems to be an appropriate treatment of CSP when performed by skilled laparoscopic surgeons. It can be safely proposed as a single surgical therapeutic approach. Larger series and further prospective studies are needed to confirm this observation and to affirm the long-term gynecological and obstetrical outcomes of this management.

Diagnosis and Management of Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a serious obstetric complication that can be life-threatening. Age-adjusted incidence of ectopic pregnancy is roughly 15.8 pregnancies per 1000. Despite this seemingly low value, EP remains one of the largest contributors to maternal mortality in the first trimester. While some patients require urgent surgery, there is a role for medical and conservative management in patients who are hemodynamically stable. In cases where medical or conservative management is appropriate, family physicians can choose to manage this condition with collaboration from the patient’s obstetrician. Particularly for residents in the 50% of US counties with no obstetrician, it is imperative for family doctors to diagnose EP quickly and accurately

#367 : The Use of Intrauterien Balloon Therapy in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery

Background and Aims: The use of balloon therapy in obstetric practice, especially in postpartum haemorrhage is well established and has recently been reviewed. However, little attention has been drawn regarding the use of intrauterine balloon (IUB) in gynaecological practice. This study focuses on the various usage of IUB in gynaecological practice. Methods: An electronic literature search through Medline, EMBASE and Clinicaltrial.gov from inception to August 2022 was conducted with mesh combinations of the following keywords: balloon, uterus, gynaecology, Foley catheter, complication, tamponade, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Results: The study focuses on the 3 following areas: (1) Indications: prevention &amp; removal of intrauterine adhesions, management of ectopic pregnancy, facilitation of endoscopic surgery and other clinical usages; (2) Practical aspects of balloon therapy including ultrasound guidance, choice of balloon, inflation volume, duration of balloon therapy; and (3) Potential complications including pain, infection, uterine rupture and how they can be avoided. Conclusions: IUB therapy is a simple, inexpensive and effective method that can be applied in various gynaecological conditions ranging from IUA to intrauterine haemorrhage. Complications are rare, but in most cases can be avoided with correct use.