Comparison of management regimens following ultrasound diagnosis of nontubal ectopic pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To review management options for nontubal ectopic pregnancies. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia. POPULATION: A total of 100 nontubal pregnancies: 1 abdominal, 32 caesarean scar, 14 cervical, 41 cornual-interstitial, 12 ovarian. METHODS: Cases were classified according to ectopic site. Management categories were medical, surgical, combination or expectant. Use of minimally invasive approaches (ultrasound-guided intra-sac injections or selective surgical techniques) was identified. Primary management was considered to be successful if no further unplanned interventions were required. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success of primary management and frequency of unplanned interventions. RESULTS: A high rate of success (82%) was demonstrated for all management regimens, with minimal morbidity and no deaths occurring. A high success rate was shown when the primary management regimen was systemic methotrexate or ultrasound-guided intra-sac injection (88%). The success rate for primary surgical management was 57%. High success rates were reported for both primary management with ultrasound-guided injections or in combination with systemic methotrexate (94%) and for primary management with systemic methotrexate alone (81%). Seventy-five per cent of women managed with minimally invasive surgical approaches avoided the need for more extensive surgery, but required longer follow up and additional interventions. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches were found to be safe and effective treatment for women desiring to conserve fertility. Ultrasound-guided intra-sac injection and laparoscopic ectopic removal procedures aimed at preserving reproductive organs should be included as minimally invasive primary management tools in addition to the well-recognised option of systemic methotrexate. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Nontubal ectopics: minimally invasive procedures a safe alternative to surgery in selected cases.