Treating Ectopic Pregnancy

Medication

If diagnosed while the ectopic pregnancy is still small and has not ruptured, methotrexate (a form of chemotherapy) can be given to some patients to prevent further growth of the ectopic pregnancy and avoid surgery.

Surgery

Emergency surgery is needed if:

• The ectopic pregnancy is judged to be too large for medical treatment or if the patient has other conditions, which would prevent the use of methotrexate, such as a history of kidney or liver disease.
• The fallopian tube has burst or ruptured, usually with bleeding into the abdominal cavity.

This surgery can be done through a laparoscope or an open abdominal incision. During the surgery, the pregnancy will be removed. If possible, the doctor will repair your fallopian tube. In some severe cases, the fallopian tube may need to be completely removed.