What is the most common medical-surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancy?

The medical-surgical treatment most commonly employed for ectopic pregnancy is the surgical removal of the fetus and some surrounding tissue. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This situation poses significant risks, including rupture of the fallopian tube, which can lead to internal bleeding and is life-threatening.

Surgery is often necessary when there is evidence of a rupture or if the ectopic pregnancy is large, as it allows for the immediate removal of the abnormal tissue and helps prevent serious complications. Surgical options include salpingostomy, where the surgeon removes the ectopic tissue while preserving the fallopian tube, or salpingectomy, which is the complete removal of the affected fallopian tube.

In contrast, some options such as medication to dissolve the pregnancy are typically considered when the ectopic pregnancy has not caused significant complications and can be monitored. However, surgical intervention remains the most definitive treatment to ensure the patient’s safety and health in urgent cases. Monitoring and follow-up is not an active treatment but more of an observation tactic, and in vitro fertilization does not apply to the management of an ectopic pregnancy.