Ectopic pregnancy: laparoscopic treatment

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants outside the womb, in the vast majority of cases in a fallopian tube. It cannot develop normally and, as it grows, it may rupture the tube and cause internal bleeding. It often shows itself through pain on one side of the lower abdomen and bleeding in early pregnancy. Diagnosis relies on a transvaginal ultrasound and a blood test for the pregnancy hormone (beta-hCG). When it is found early and certain criteria are met, treatment with medication may be enough. Otherwise, surgery is performed by laparoscopy: through small incisions, the surgeon removes the pregnancy either by opening the tube and keeping it (salpingotomy) or by removing the affected tube (salpingectomy). The choice between keeping or removing the tube depends on its condition, the size of the pregnancy, the state of the other tube and the wish for future pregnancy. If there is significant bleeding, the operation is carried out as an emergency. A normal pregnancy remains possible afterwards with the remaining tube. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the gynaecological emergency service and operating theatre operate day and night, allowing prompt surgery when needed. The team also supports the patient emotionally, as this situation is often experienced as a loss.