Ectopic Pregnancy - Causes, Signs & Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery, Management

Pregnancy which occurs outside the uterus (womb), usually in one of the fallopian tubes, is termed Ectopic Pregnancy. It is also known as Tubal pregnancy. It may even grow in ovaries or abdomen. It happens in about 0.02% pregnancies in India. As the pregnancy grows, it causes pain and bleeding and, if not recognized, the tube can rupture, causing internal bleeding. This is a medical emergency and can be fatal.

Causes

• Pelvic infection
• Tubal endometriosis
• Previous abdominal surgeries
• Intra uterine contraceptives

Symptoms

• One-sided, intense, persistent pain in lower abdomen.
• Collapse, preceded by dizziness, diarrhoea, vomiting, and/or pain.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Shoulder-tip pain: This may occur in case of internal bleeding which irritates other internal body organs such as diaphragm.
• Pain in lower back.
• Pain while passing urine or stool.

Treatments

Treatment options include laparoscopy & laparotomy. Laparotomy is an open procedure whereby a transverse incision is made across the lower abdomen. Laparoscopy is preferred over laparotomy because of tiny incisions and speedy recovery. We prefer treating such patients with laparoscopy as recovery is faster.