Implantation of the fertilized embryo outside the uterus is known as ectopic pregnancy. Normally, the egg and sperm fertilize in the fallopian tube to form the embryo, and then travel through the tube to be implanted in the uterus.

Sometimes , due to abnormal /damaged tubes, the embryo may get implanted in the fallopian tube , this is known as Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy. Very rare forms of ectopic sites are ovarian pregnancy, abdominal pregnancy, scar pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is potentially life threatening as pregnancy cannot grow beyond a few weeks in the tube and eventually ruptures, leading to a lot of blood loss. Early ultrasound along with B HCG levels can help diagnose ectopics prior to rupture.

Some of the reasons for Ectopic pregnancy are as follows-

 Infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (chlamydia or gonorrhea) and tuberculosis can damage the mucosal lining of the tube
 Previous tubal surgery (tuboplasty, fimbrioplasty) which can hamper normal movements of the tube.
 Previous history of tubal ectopic pregnancy.
 Previous pelvic surgeries which can cause adhesion

Management of ectopics can be medical or surgical, depending on various factors. We offer both treatment options depending on the case.

Medical management with methotrexate injections can be done in very early gestations, low BHCG values, unruptured stage. Laparoscopic treatment is the mainstay of management in higher gestations, high B HCG , ruptured or unruptured. We offer both laparoscopic salpigostomy -where we remove the pregnancy and repair the tube , and salpingectomy – where the tube is completely removed as it may be very damaged.

Patients are counselled about the type of treatment they need and the management in the future for conception.

Patients who have one good functional tube can wait for a natural conception but a woman whose both tubes are damaged would need an IVF treatment for conceiving.

We at Dr Sudha Tandon’s fertility , IVF , Gynec Endoscopy and Maternity center have all world class facility for laparoscopic and Hysteroscopic surgery for all pelvic pathologies and IUI /IVF and ICSI treatment for ART .