Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery Treatment

Ectopic pregnancy surgery is a medical procedure performed to remove a pregnancy that is developing outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Normally, when a woman gets pregnant, the fertilized egg develops in the uterus organ of the woman. Unlike typical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg travels down to the Fallopian tube and formed outside of the uterus. Although this is an uncommon condition and rarely happens in 2% cases across the world.

There are several causes of ectopic pregnancy occurrence including age, poor diet, past uterus surgeries etc. When a woman experiences an ectopic pregnancy it shows some signs and symptoms such as dizziness, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding etc.

To identify and seek ectopic pregnancy treatment there are several diagnostic tests including blood test, urine test and ultrasound examination. Once the gynecologist diagnosed ectopic pregnancy they suggested ectopic pregnancy surgery after examining the mother’s condition. If the healthcare provider found the ectopic pregnancy at an early stage they may recommend medications and suggest to terminate the pregnancy in order to avoid life threatening complications and risks. 

Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy

Following are the causes that contribute to ectopic pregnancy these include:

• Having scar tissues and infection that may have remained from previous pelvic adhesiolysis treatment or other uterus surgery procedure. 
• Getting pregnant after using intrauterine devices also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy in women. 
• Experiencing damage to Fallopian tubes due to sexually transmitted infections.  
• Having abnormal or irregular-shaped Fallopian tubes could be from birth. 
• Blocked Fallopian tubes also contribute to ectopic pregnancy. 
• Previous ectopic pregnancy and past endometriosis condition. 
• Getting pregnant after age 35 and smoking habits also increases the risks of ectopic pregnancy.  
• Hormonal factors, birth defects, and genetic issues too, contribute to ectopic pregnancy.

Early Signs And Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

A female may experience typical pregnancy symptoms while having ectopic pregnancy however, ectopic pregnancy sings are little different which are as follows:   

• Vaginal Bleeding 
• Abdominal pain
• Over dizziness
• Frequent low blood pressure
• Pain in back and shoulders
• Bowel issue
• Experiencing Rectal Pressure

Diagnostic Test for Ectopic Pregnancy

After conceiving a child, if a woman is experiencing various symptoms despite normal pregnancy, in this condition she must consult with a gynecologist to see what is wrong with the pregnancy. To check the pregnancy there available multiple diagnostic tests to identify the condition in the new mothers which are as follows: 

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound Test
• Blood and Urine Test 
• Pelvic examination

Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment Procedure 

The ectopic pregnancy treatment is determine by the doctors after analyzing various factors these include:

• How much pain is occurring?
• What symptoms are you experiencing during pregnancy?
• The results of all the diagnostic tests.
• Which trimester of pregnancy are you in?
• Analyzing the hormone level in the body.
• What options are suitable for you?
• Your preference towards treatment.

After physical examination and analyzing all the details doctors determine the treatment to the patient. There are two main treatments for ectopic pregnancy these are medications and surgery. 

Medication 

Ectopic pregnancy could be treated with medications at an early stage. When you consult with a gynecologist may suggest or prescribe you certain medicine like methotrexate to stop the growth of fertilized egg. This stops the growth of rapidly developing cells such as the development of ectopic mass. 

When you take this medication make sure to do regular checkup and blood also make sure that the drug is effective enough. The medicine could be given in the form of an injection or oral tablet. This is a less invasive treatment method however, it requires proper consultation and follow-up. 

Surgery 

Ectopic surgery is a life saving treatment procedure which is administered under general anesthesia. A healthcare provider performed the surgery when your Fallopian tube is rapture or at risk of rapture. In this procedure a doctor removes the egg from the Fallopian tube and restores the function of the tube for further fertility. In rare cases surgeons also remove the egg along with the Fallopian tube. 

The procedure is done through making a small incision on the abdominal part. A surgeon inserts a catheter attached with a small camera and removes the embryo and repairs the damage in the Fallopian tube. The surgery is also called laparotomy, suggested by the doctor to avoid complications like internal damage and bleeding. There are two main surgical options:

Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive)

Overview: Otherwise referred to as keyhole surgery, this is the most conventional and preferred method when the patient is stable.

Procedure:

• Small cuts are made in the abdomen.
• A camera (laparoscope) is passed in to identify the location of the ectopic pregnancy.
• The ectopic tissue is taken out, and damaged parts are treated.

Types of Laparoscopic Procedures:

• Salpingostomy: Debris from the ectopic tissue is removed without removing the fallopian tube.
• Salpingectomy: Removal of the damaged fallopian tube (if extremely damaged).

Advantages:

• Faster recovery
• Less scarring
• Shorter hospital stay
• Decreased risk of complications

Laparotomy (Open Surgery)

Overview: A more invasive procedure resorted to in case of emergency, e.g., heavy internal bleeding or a ruptured tube.

Procedure:

• A bigger cut is made in the lower abdomen.
• The surgeon opens and excises the ectopic pregnancy directly.

When It’s Needed:

• If the patient is unstable (e.g., from internal hemorrhage)
• When laparoscopic access is not possible
• In the event of widespread tissue injury or rupture

Recovery:

• Longer hospital stay
• Increased postoperative care required
• More time to resume usual activities

Advantages Of Ectopic Pregnancy Surgery & Its Cost  

The average cost of the surgery is around INR 40,000 to INR 60,000. However, the final cost depends on the factors like which type of hospital you have chosen whether it is private or government, doctor’s expertise, city and complications with patients. These factors contribute to the overall cost of the ectopic surgery treatment in India. Once you done the procedure you would experience the several benefits which are mentioned below:

• Restore the functioning of Fallopian tube
• Prevent life 
• Reduce symptoms
• Get rid of discomfort 
• Overcome vaginal bleeding
• Prevent internal bleeding
• Protects fertility
• Support future family planning   

Risks & Side Effects of Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment

Ectopic pregnancy is quite beneficial for women. However, in rare cases it can pose a few risks and side effects, during or after the surgery procedure these include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Dizziness
• UTI
• Frequent urination
• Wound and infection
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Hernia

Recovery From Ectopic Surgery 

A woman suffers from both physical and mental pain after the ectopic surgery procedure. Hence, it requires a 2 to 4 weeks recovery period to heal from the surgery. However, the recovery depends on the factors that, what complications were present during the procedure. Although, a patient needs to follow all the instructions that are given by the consulted gynecologist, whether it is having light diet, restriction to consume specific food and drinks and avoiding heavy tasks such as weight lifting, driving and many more. Other than that, taking test, pain management medications, proper follow-up, good nutrition and yoga will help you to recover from the surgery sooner.