Laparoscopic surgery

If the ectopic pregnancy is detected early, an injection of the drug known as methotrexate may be used to stop cell growth and dissolve existing cells. In other cases, it may be treated with laparoscopic surgery, explains the Department of General Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth group.

This procedure involves inserting a thin telescope into the abdomen, through the navel, to view the pelvic area. Other instruments are then inserted to remove the ectopic pregnancy and repair the fallopian tube. This is known as a salpingostomy.

Emergency salpingectomy

However, if the ectopic pregnancy is causing heavy internal bleeding or if the fallopian tube has ruptured, emergency surgery may be required to remove the tube (also known as a salpingectomy). Removal of the affected tube does not adversely affect future pregnancy rates provided that the other fallopian tube appears to be normal.

If the ectopic pregnancy is treated without removing the fallopian tube, or if one tube is removed but the other one is in good condition, a woman can have a successful pregnancy in the future.

However, a woman who has had an ectopic pregnancy is at a slightly higher risk of having another one. “It is therefore important that she speak to her gynaecologist about her risk of ectopic pregnancy and the measures for early evaluation of her next pregnancy.”

Ref: R14