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Introduction to ectopic pregnancy

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Ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of a pregnancy outside the uterine cavity. This occurs most commonly in the fallopian tube but, rarely, other sites such as the cervix, interstitial portion of the fallopian tube, the ovary or the abdominal cavity may be involved. It is rare for these pregnancies to continue beyond a few months and it is exceptional for the pregnancy to reach a stage of viability.

Prior to spontaneous resolution, a number of these pregnancies may cause catastrophic intra-abdominal haemorrhage if untreated, usually due to rupture of the tube containing the pregnancy. Despite advances in diagnostic methods, unexpected tubal rupture with massive haemorrhage still occurs, sometimes leading to maternal death.

Learning objectives

When you have completed this tutorial you will be able to:

  • appropriately manage women who may be at risk of ectopic pregnancy
  • understand the application and limitations of ultrasound scan and quantitative ß-hCG
  • understand the application of different treatment options
  • design and audit a management protocol.
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