Treatment
With increasing diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy at an early gestation, expectant management may be appropriate, in which the patient’s condition is closely monitored without treatment. This may be suitable for some women who are medically stable, have access to immediate help and are willing to be followed up with ultrasound and serial –hCG measurements (Kriebs and Fahey 2006). Spontaneous resolution by tubal abortion or resorption can take up to 50 days. Follow up with repeated measurement of -hCG concentrations and transvagina ultrasound is recommended until the -hCG value is undetectable. Expectant management can be successful in 50-70% of women (Banerjee et al 2001, Elson et al 2004). Medical treatment with methotrexate or surgical treatment involving removal of the ectopic pregnancy by laparoscopy or laparotomy may be recommended. Surgical intervention is indicated if haemodynamic instability occurs.