Ectopic Pregnancy: Treatment Options

Once the decision has been made to treat a pregnancy as an ectopic (or a nonviable intrauterine
pregnancy) the physician will attempt to eliminate the potentially dangerous pregnancy to
minimize maternal risk. The physician will also try to preserve as much future fertility as
possible.

Three primary types of treatment are available for an ectopic pregnancy. These include surgical
management, medical management, and expectant management. The most common treatment is
surgical.

Surgery allows a rapid and usually definite resolution of the pregnancy, however the woman does
assume the usual surgical risks. Medical management primarily involves the use of methotrexate,
which has gained popularity as a way of avoiding surgical risk. Methotrexate management
results in destruction of the growing pregnancy but is comparatively slow-- often taking 4-6
weeks for complete resolution of the ectopic pregnancy. Medical management risks rupture of
the ectopic over this relatively long course of management. Expectant management is essentially
observation and monitoring without active treatment, understanding that up to 25% of ectopic
pregnancies will resolve on their own. The risk of expectant management is rupture of the
ectopic pregnancy during the observation period.

(1) Surgery is the most common management of an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment for all ruptured ectopic pregnancies is surgery.

If the woman has a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and she is hemodynamically unstable then
surgery is required and laparoscopy is contraindicated. In this situation, a laparotomy (larger
incision with open surgery) should be performed and usually a (partial) salpingectomy (removal
of the tube) is performed regardless of whether significant damage to the tubal lumen is
suspected. The removal of the damaged tube allows rapid control of bleeding and the best chance
for continued hemostasis throughout the postoperative period.

If the woman has a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and is hemodynamically stable, then surgery is
required and laparoscopy is not absolutely contraindicated. The decision on whether a
laparoscopy or laparotomy is to be performed depends on the specific clinical details, the
couple's desires, the surgeon's laparoscopic expertise, and the operating room's equipment. The
advantage of laparoscopy is in terms of postoperative recovery for the woman having surgery.
The same type of surgery would be done regardless of the size of the incisions made to perform
the surgery.

If the woman has a non ruptured ectopic pregnancy, then the treatment options are broadened to
include nonsurgical management. If surgery is decided upon, then the decision must be made in
terms of laparoscopy or laparotomy. This decision depends primarily on the surgeon's expertise
with laparoscopy and the operating room's laparoscopic equipment. Generally, women prefer the
shorter recovery period, reduction in postoperative pain, and smaller incisions in the abdomen
associated with laparoscopy.

It should be emphasized that either approach (laparoscopy or laparotomy) is (medically)

acceptable and capable of achieving the goals of decreasing morbidity and increasing future
fertility. If the surgeon identifies an ectopic by laparoscopy yet is not comfortable in performing
the necessary surgery on the ectopic pregnancy site through the laparoscope (and cannot call for
an intraoperative consult with someone able to do the surgery via laparoscopy), then the
appropriate decision is to perform the surgery by laparotomy. Occasionally one hears about a
patient taken for diagnostic laparoscopy to evaluate an ectopic pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy
is identified, the surgeon is not comfortable with removing the ectopic pregnancy via
laparoscopy, the surgeon desires that the woman's pregnancy be treated laparoscopically, and so
the case is concluded so that the patient can be transferred postop to a surgeon who will remove
the ectopic pregnancy laparoscopically. This should be discouraged since there is a chance for
significant morbidity if the ectopic ruptures and the woman requires a second surgery. The
surgeon in this situation would hopefully have counseled the patient preoperatively that if an
ectopic is identified then the decision will be to proceed to definitive management by
laparotomy.

Surgical treatment options for removal of an ectopic pregnancy partially depend on the location
of the ectopic pregnancy.
1. the ampullary portion of the fallopian tube is the most common site for ectopic
pregnancy (80-90%). In the tubal ampulla, the muscular area (muscularis) between the
outer tubal serosa and inner tubal lumen is relatively thick. Often, ectopic pregnancies in
the ampullary portion of the tube grow in the muscularis (outside the tubal lumen) so that
despite the ectopic site achieving a large size the tubal lumen is spared from damage. In
the cases where the tubal lumen is not damaged, simply opening the fallopian tube's outer
serosa (along the less vascular antimesenteric border) and removing the bulk of the
products of conception is possible. Care should be exercised to avoid excessive removal
of tissue since the lumen will be adjacent to the growing placental (trophoblast) cells and
can easily be damaged.
2. the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube is the second most common site for ectopic
pregnancy (5-15%). In the tubal isthmus (close to the uterus) the muscular area
(muscularis) between the outer tubal serosa and inner tubal lumen is very thin. Most
often, isthmic ectopic pregnancies grow within the tubal lumen itself and therefore the
lumen is often destroyed as the pregnancy becomes larger in size. These isthmic ectopic
pregnancies are classically thought to be best treated by segmental resection (removal) of
the involved portion of the tube. If simple opening of the outer serosa and removal of the
ectopic is performed, a tubal fistula tract (hole) through the inner tubal lumen to the outer
pelvis can result.
3. the distal fimbrial (infundibular) portion of the fallopian tube is the third most common
site for an ectopic pregnancy (about 5%). Many of these represent "tubal abortions" in
which the products of conception (POCs) are already being exuded from the tube into the
abdomen. In some cases simple removal of the POCs at the end of the tube is all that is
required. More often the POCs are within the muscular area (muscularis) outside the
tubal lumen, so that the outer serosa can be opened and the POCs removed without
damage to the lumen. The literature will occasionally recommend or report on "milking"
the pregnancy manually from the end of the tube, which is a procedure that can damage
the tubal lumen and cause unnecessary bleeding. Milking the tube is discouraged.
4. the cornual (interstitial) portion of the fallopian tube is an uncommon site for ectopic
pregnancy (about 1-2%). In these cases, the pregnancy is growing within the muscular
 wall of the uterus as the tube enters the uterine cavity. The abundant potential blood
supply to this area will occasionally allow the pregnancy to grow to a very large size (for
an ectopic pregnancy) and also makes the removal of the pregnancy difficult. Removal of
the POCs from this highly vascular area will often require a hemi (partial) or occasionally
a complete hysterectomy. Removal of these ectopic pregnancies is usually not attempted
via laparoscopy and immediate laparotomy should be available if a laparoscopic
approach is attempted.
5. the abdominal pregnancy is one in which the pregnancy has been expelled from the
fallopian tube and implants into a highly vascular region of the abdomen. Most often the
blood supply comes from mesenteric vessels of the bowel. The abundant blood supply to
these pregnancies may allow the ectopic pregnancy to grow to term. Removal of the
placental bed of these pregnancies is often impossible without causing tremendous
bleeding, so that the placental site of usually left in situ. The maternal morbidity and
mortality is quite high (maternal mortality is about 20 fold higher than with a tubal
ectopic pregnancy) with these very dangerous ectopic sites. Nonsurgical approaches can
be considered either as primary treatment or adjuvant therapy (treating residual placental
tissue).
6. the ovarian pregnancy is relatively rare (less than 1% of ectopics) and can also be quite
vascular. Partial resection of the involved ovary is occasionally possible, but if significant
bleeding cannot be readily controlled then an oophorectomy (removal of the ovary) may
be required. Control of bleeding is usually possible with removal of the ovary since the
vascular pedicles to the ovary (the uteroovarian and the infundibulopelvic ligaments) are
generally clearly visible and can be transected and tied.
7. the cervical pregnancy is relatively rare (less than 1%) and is often difficult to distinguish
from an incomplete abortion since both can be located within the cervix. The uterine
artery and vein approach the uterus at the level of the cervix, so these ectopic pregnancies
often have an abundant blood supply. Tremendous bleeding can be encountered if
removal of these ectopic pregnancies is attempted, often requiring a hysterectomy. These
ectopic pregnancies are very dangerous and the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity
is high. Nonsurgical approaches should be considered.
Surgical treatment options for the removal of an ectopic pregnancy also partially depend on the
prior history of tubal disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and the couple's desires. Although a
bit controversial (due to the lack of strong factual data), consideration should include:
• When there is significant damage to the inner lumen of the tube (poor prognosis for
repair regardless of surgical technique used), or if the health of the mother is significantly
improved by less conservative and more definitive management (possibly after a
significant volume of blood has been lost regardless of pregnancy location or when the
tubal site continues to bleed following directed coagulation of apparent bleeding sites)
then a salpingectomy (removal of the fallopian tube) is appropriate. Removal of the tube
is also appropriate when the woman's intended childbearing is complete or when there
was a prior ectopic in the same fallopian tube.
• women with decreased fertility and their first ectopic pregnancy have a greater
subsequent intrauterine pregnancy rate when the tube containing an ampullary ectopic is
preserved, even if the opposite tube looks totally normal
 • recurrent ectopic pregnancy after conservative surgery (saving the tube) for an ectopic
pregnancy has an equal risk of affecting either fallopian tube (recurrence on the
previously damaged tube is not greater)
• salpingotomy (when the serosal defect in the fallopian tube is closed with fine,
nonreactive, interrupted sutures) and salpingostomy (when the serosal defect in the
fallopian tube is left open so that it can close by secondary intention- "on its own") have
roughly equivalent success in terms of future fertility
• conservative surgery (saving the tube) in a woman with her second ectopic on the same
side has a reasonable subsequent intrauterine pregnancy rate. Ballpark rates of ectopic
pregnancy after 1 ectopic pregnancy on the side is 15-20% and after 2 ectopic
pregnancies on the side is about 25%. If the only tube remaining has a second ectopic and
IVF is not a realistic option, then a highly motivated fertility patient might elect to save
that tube (after discussing the risks and benefits).
• persistent trophoblast (placental) tissue can grow at the ectopic site and require further
active management if the fallopian tube is saved. This occurs about 5-10% of the time.
Methotrexate medical management appears to be ideal for these cases.
(2) Methotrexate has become popular in selected cases of ectopic pregnancy.

Unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancies in women who elect conservative (saving the tube)
management may be able to be treated with methotrexate. The current (somewhat limited)
factual data suggests that methotrexate management and conservative surgical management have
similar success in terms of subsequent tubal patency, fertility, ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine
pregnancy. One classic article on these rates when using the single IM dosing protocol is a
prospective clinical trial of 120 women (published in 1993) where Drs. Stovall and Ling report
• mean time to resolution (negative pregnancy test) was 36 days, and as high as 7 weeks
• post treatment hysterosalpingograms demonstrated tubal patency on the side of the
ectopic in 83% of those treated with methotrexate
• subsequent fertility in the methotrexate group of women was 80%
• of those achieving pregnancy following methotrexate treatment, 87% were intrauterine
and 13% were ectopic
The first experience with methotrexate was in Japan (Dr. Tanaka) in 1982 and the first use of
methotrexate in the USA (with Dr. Steven Ory) was in 1986. Ectopic pregnancy is not an
approved FDA indication for methotrexate. FDA approved uses of methotrexate include cancer
treatment (including trophoblast disease, breast cancers and leukemia), psoriasis, and
rheumatoid arthritis.

Methotrexate is a mixture containing at least 85% of "4-amino-10-methylfolic acid," is a folic

acid antagonist (reversibly inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase which normally reduces folic acid
to tetrahydrofolic acid), and consequently interferes with DNA synthesis and cell reproduction.
Leucovorum calcium is a derivative of tetrahydrofolic acid which replaces the missing active
form of folic acid to block the effects of methotrexate (the so called "rescue").

Methotrexate crosses the placenta and is found in breast milk. The medication is absolutely
contraindicated in pregnant women intending to carry the pregnancy to term. Therefore,
many treatment protocols require pregnant women with either an abnormally growing
intrauterine pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy to have a pretreatment dilatation and curettage
(D+C). Others simply include in the consent form for methotrexate that it is agreed to undergo
definitive surgical management of the pregnancy if the methotrexate fails to resolve it.

Peak serum concentrations of methotrexate occur 2 hours after an IM dose, and have a serum
half life of about 2-4 hours. Methotrexate does not seem to be appreciably metabolized with up
to about 90% of an IV dose excreted via the kidneys within 24 hours.

The single IM injection of 50 mg per meters squared (body surface area) for the treatment of
ectopic pregnancy is associated with (uncommon) transient side effects but persistent
complications are virtually absent. Major complications of methotrexate at doses used for the
FDA indications include
• bone marrow suppression. The nadir in hemoglobin concentration occurs after about 6-
13 days, leukocytes (white blood cells) after about 4-7 days and again after about 12-21
days (second depression), and platelets after about 5-12 days. These complications are
very rare with the single IM dose used for ectopic pregnancy.
• both acute and chronic hepatotoxicity with occasional transient elevations in serum
liver transaminases within a week of administration. These acute elevations do not seem
to predict subsequent liver damage. These complications are very rare with the single IM
dose used for ectopic pregnancy.
• rapidly progressive pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis.
The minimum dosage required to precipitate these complications is not clear. These
complications are very rare with the single IM dose used for ectopic pregnancy.
• dermatologic effects including rashes, itch, hives, folliculitis, photosensitivity, pigment
changes, and (rarely) alopecia (hair loss). These complications are very rare with the
single IM dose used for ectopic pregnancy.
Contraindications to the use of methotrexate generally include
1. desired pregnancy (when used in the first trimester, methotrexate has a 30% major
malformation rate)
2. severe anemia (low red blood cell count), leukopenia (low white blood cell count), or
thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
3. marked renal function impairment (the primary route of excretion)
4. active infection, due to immunosuppressive effects
5. peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis
6. AIDS, due to additive immunosuppressive effects
Drug interactions with methotrexate can occur and may enhance toxicity. This usually occurs
with high doses of methotrexate but should be avoided whenever able. The drugs known to
interact with methotrexate include:
1. aspirin
2. nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (including motrin, alleve, naprosin, indomethacin)
3. sulfonamides (including co-trimoxazole)
 4. phenytoin
5. phenylbutazone
6. tetracycline
7. chloramphenicol
8. aminobenzoic acid
9. vaccination with live attenuate viruses (including mumps, measles, rubella, varicella,
smallpox)
The initial protocols utilized a multiple dose regimen with methotrexate (typically 1 mg/kg IM)
and leukovorum (citrovorum, 0.1 mg/kg IM) on alternate days for up to 4 doses of methotrexate.
Side effects were seen in about 5% of women and typically included gastrointestinal upset
(stomatitis [oral ulcers], gastritis, diarrhea, transient elevation in liver enzymes). Significant side
effects involving bone marrow suppression, dermatitis and pleuritis have been very uncommon.
Failure to adequately treat the ectopic pregnancy has been about 3-5%. Tubal rupture of the
ectopic pregnancy occurs in less than 5%.

Currently the most popular protocol uses far less methotrexate and does not require citrovorum
as a rescue. A single IM dose of methotrexate (50 mg per meters squared [surface area]) is
administered with few side effects (occasional stomatitis, gastritis and diarrhea) and virtually no
serious side effects (bone marrow suppression, dermatitis, pleuritis).

Additional criteria in selecting appropriate candidates for methotrexate management of an

ectopic pregnancy might include
1. a highly compliant and reliable patient, since close followup is required and resolution
may take up to 7 weeks (absolute requirement)
2. healthy woman, unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy and hemodynamically stable
(absolute requirement)
3. ultrasound without evidence of intrauterine pregnancy and ideally a dilatation and
curettage failing to find villi (relative contraindication)
4. ectopic size less than 4 cm in greatest diameter (relative contraindication)
5. hCG titer of less than 10,000 mIU/mL (relative contraindication)
6. absence of fetal heart tones (relative contraindication)
Once a candidate has been selected, the following protocol should be adhered to
• obtain a pre treatment hCG titer, type and Rh, CBC and chemistry profile (with at least
liver enzymes and renal function tests)
• consider dilatation and curettage or entry into the informed consent that definitive
treatment of the pregnancy will be agreed to if the methotrexate fails
• sign the consent form after discussing the risks and benefits as well as the alternatives
• give Rhogam if Rh negative and greater than 7-8 weeks gestation (mini-Rhogam is
adequate)
• instruct the woman to refrain from alcohol use, folic acid containing vitamins and sexual
relations during treatment
 • review the medications that may interact and disallow their use
Then the medication should be given as 50 mg per meters squared (surface area) IM (divided
dosed if desired)-- this will be considered DAY 1.

On DAY 4, an hCG titer should be obtained (the hCG concentration will continue to increase for
a few days following methotrexate administration)

On DAY 7, an hCG titer should be obtained

If the DAY 7 hCG concentration reflects a drop from the maximal hCG concentration (at DAY 4)
of at least 15% then weekly hCG titers should be obtained until negative. If the DAY 7 hCG
concentration did not drop from the maximal hCG concentration (at DAY 4) by 15% or if the
hCG titer begins to rise on subsequent weeks then consideration of another dose of 50 mg per
meters squared is considered.

DAY 7 blood work does not need to include a CBC and chemistry profile, but many physicians
(including myself) like to confirm that the RBCs, WBCs, platelets and liver function tests have
not changed. Using this dose of methotrexate, I have never seen a significant change in any of
these parameters.

Important Note #1: Many women will have adnexal discomfort or pain about 3 or 4 days
following administration of methotrexate. Several physicians refer to this as "methotrexate
pain" but rupture of the existing ectopic pregnancy must be considered and ruled out.

Important Note #2: Non tubal ectopic pregnancies are often managed with methotrexate.
Cervical, abdominal and cornual pregnancies are very dangerous and require careful
consideration of existing treatment options. Severe bleeding can be associated with methotrexate
or surgical treatments and very close observation until the pregnancy is resolved is absolutely
necessary.

(3) Expectant management of an ectopic pregnancy is generally discouraged.

Expectant management of ectopic pregnancy may be appropriate in selected situations. The risk
of rupture for an ampullary ectopic pregnancy is thought to be roughly 10% for circulating hCG
concentrations less than 1000 mIU/mL. The risk of rupture for an isthmic ectopic pregnancy is
thought to be about 10% for a circulating hCG concentration less than 100 mIU/mL (since the
space in which isthmic pregnancies must grow is far smaller than for ampullary pregnancies).
Therefore, consideration of expectant management for an ectopic pregnancy when hCG
concentrations are low is possible. There is always a risk of rupture until the pregnancy has been
completely resolved.

Criteria that are occasionally used in deciding on expectant management include

1. decreasing hCG titers on serial determinations
2. tubal location (rather than ovarian, abdominal, cervical)
3. no evidence of rupture or significant bleeding
4. ectopic mass with size less than 4 cm
 5. highly motivated patient with strong desire to avoid both surgery and medical
management
I have generally discouraged the use of expectant management of ectopic pregnancy unless the
hCG titer is spontaneously declining since the risk of serious morbidity with rupture appears to
be increased (even if only slightly).

Dr. Daiter's Background

Dr. Eric Daiter graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was awarded an
academic scholarship and was enlisted into the University Scholar's Program and the
Benjamin Franklin Scholar's Program.

Dr. Daiter graduated medical school at Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia
and completed the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at Albert Einstein College
of Medicine in New York. He completed his Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He has considered a career as
a physician scientist in research medicine and has published several articles on molecular
events that occur during the human embryo's implantation into the uterus.

Dr. Daiter entered private practice in 1994, where he joined a successful referral based
infertility practice and further developed his clinical skills. Dr. Daiter emphasizes the basic
principles of infertility patient care, including the importance of highly personalized, cost
considerate, state of the art, one on one care for his patients. He specializes in all aspects of
In Vitro Fertilization, with a patient success rate among the highest in the state. He has
performed several hundred advanced operative laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries,
utilizing the most modern laser techniques.
Dr. Daiter opened his Edison, NJ office in 1997. The office continues to support the highest level
of professional care for infertile couples. Extended office hours are available for patient
convenience.