Laparoscopic Surgery – Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is caused when a fertilized egg gets implanted and develops outside the uterus. More often than not, such a pregnancy occurs in a fallopian tube through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus. In such a case, it is referred to as a tubal pregnancy. In some other cases, an ectopic pregnancy takes place in other areas such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or cervix which is connected to the vagina.

In case of a normal pregnancy, the process begins with a fertilized egg that adheres to the lining of the uterus. In case of an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg gets implanted and developed outside of the uterus cavity. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, there is no scope for normal maturity as the fertilized egg cannot survive. The developing tissue could endanger the individual by causing excessive bleeding or other complications if left unaddressed.

When an Ectopic Pregnancy Needs Surgery

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube, and cannot continue safely to term. Ectopic pregnancy treatment depends on how early it is caught and whether there are signs of internal bleeding at the time of diagnosis. Some early cases, caught before rupture, are managed with medication alone, while others need ectopic pregnancy surgery to remove the pregnancy and, where possible, preserve the affected fallopian tube for future fertility.