Surgical management of an ectopic pregnancy
Date issued: June 2021
Review date: June 2023
Ref: A-461
PDF: surgical management of ectopic pregnancy final June 2021.pdf [pdf] 389KB
Following surgical management with removal of the Fallopian tube (salpingectomy), we recommend that you perform a urine pregnancy test after 3 weeks. If it is positive, please contact the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) for advice, you may need to attend for a blood test or an ultrasound scan.
Following surgical management with conservation of the Fallopian tube (salpingostomy), you will have weekly blood tests arranged in EPU. These are to monitor your pregnancy hormone level (ßhCG), until the level falls below 20iu/L.
For the prevention of pelvic infection, all women diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy will be advised to take oral antibiotics for 7 days, you will be provided with these.
The risk of recurrence of an ectopic pregnancy after 1 previous ectopic pregnancy is 10% and after 2 or more is 20-30%. All women who have had an ectopic pregnancy can self-refer to EPU for an early ultrasound scan at 6 weeks gestation in all future pregnancies, even if asymptomatic.
We understand that being diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy can be a very distressing and frightening experience. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Other useful websites:
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Early Pregnancy Unit:
Tel: 01752 763676 / 01752 245212
Monday to Friday: 8:00 – 17:30
Ocean Suite (Gynaecology ward)
Tel: 01752 430026
Monday to Friday 17:30 – 08:00
All day Saturday and Sunday
