Ectopic pregnancy

What is ectopic pregnancy?

Εctopic is a pregnancy that is developed outside the uterus. Usually the embryo is attached inside the fallopian tube. It can also be found at the belly or vagina. Ectopic pregnancy occurs 2-4% of pregnancies. As the embryo grows in size, it can destroy the organ and cause internal bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy is never completed.

Today with a vaginal ultrasound diagnose is immediate, at the first weeks of pregnancy. Treatment is mainly laparoscopy, for the removal of the embryonic tissue.

Measurement of biochemical factors (β-hcG) is also advisable for better observation of the pregnancy. Unfortunately sometimes the fallopian tube is damaged beyond repair and it has to be removed. Sometimes the embryo dies inside the fallopian tube. In this case surgical removal of the embryo is not necessary. However, β-hcG measurements are essential.