Optimal treatment for patients with ectopic pregnancies and a history of fertility-reducing factors

Partial Molar Ectopic Pregnancy: A diagnostic challenge

Here, we present a rare case of a primigravida who presented to us with symptoms and signs suggestive of an ectopic gestation, which turned out to be a partial mole in histopathological examination. Since it is a very rare occurrence, we would like to publish the case details in this case report.

Disseminated ectopic pregnancy after salpingotomy in a 30-year-old patient

We present a case of a 30-year old patient who devoloped a disseminated abdominal pregnancy after receiving a salpingotomy due to a prior tubal pregnancy.

Comparisons of Fertility Outcomes Following a Salpingectomy and a Salpingotomy with or Without Suturing for a Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy

Objective

This study aimed to compare fertility outcomes in patients who underwent different laparoscopic surgeries and to determine the most beneficial surgical treatment for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) patients who wished to become pregnant in the future.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients aged 18–36 years, who had been diagnosed with a tubal EP in our hospital, were enrolled. Based on the treatment methods, the patients were divided into three groups, ie a salpingectomy group, a salpingotomy with suturing group and a salpingotomy without suturing group. The follow-up time for the enrolled patients was more than three years. Serum beta (β)-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels were monitored after surgery. The intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) rate at 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively, and recurrent EP rate were compared.

Results

The median time for β-HCG level returning to normal in the salpingectomy group was much shorter than in the salpingotomy with suturing or salpingotomy without suturing groups (P < 0.001). The 12, 24 and 36-month IUP rates among the three groups were not significantly different. A recurrent EP was found in only one patient in the salpingotomy with suturing group and two patients in the salpingotomy without suturing group.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that salpingectomy and salpingotomy with or without suturing methods reflected no significant differences in fertility outcomes for tubal EP patients.

Diagnosis and Management of Ectopic Pregnancy: A Comparative Review of Major National Guidelines

Importance

Ectopic pregnancies (EPs) represent a severe early pregnancy complication that is associated with increased risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. Over the years, there has been a significant reduction in the mortality from this complication by improving the diagnostic tools and the treatment options.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations from published guidelines on this potentially fatal condition.

Evidence Acquisition

A descriptive review of guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on EP was carried out.

Results

All the guidelines point out the crucial role of sonography in the prompt diagnosis of EP and describe similar sonographic findings. There is a consensus on the indications and contraindications to the use of methotrexate, the post-treatment surveillance, and the criteria of expectant management. The indications for a surgical approach are not well established, although the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence agree that a laparoscopy is preferred to laparotomy for hemodynamically stable patients. The latter is considered a better option only in emergency conditions. However, there is controversy in the recommended methotrexate protocols and the evaluation of β-human chorionic gonadotrophin and progesterone levels.

Conclusion

It is of paramount importance to build consistent international protocols, so as to help clinicians all over the world diagnose EPs in the most timely and accurate way and subsequently treat them effectively as a nonurgent medical condition, with the intention to lower the mortality and morbidity rate.

Guideline No. 414: Management of Pregnancy of Unknown Location and Tubal and Nontubal Ectopic Pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To provide an evidence-based algorithm to guide the diagnosis and management of pregnancy of unknown location and tubal and nontubal ectopic pregnancy.

TARGET POPULATION

All patients of reproductive age.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

The implementation of this guideline aims to benefit patients with positive β-human chorionic gonadotropin results and provide physicians with a standard algorithm for expectant, medical, and surgical treatment of pregnancy of unknown location and tubal pregnancy and nontubal ectopic pregnancies.

EVIDENCE

The following search terms were entered into PubMed/Medline and Cochrane in 2018: cesarean section, chorionic gonadotropin, beta subunit, human/blood, fallopian tubes/surgery, female, fertility, humans, infertility, laparoscopy, methotrexate, methotrexate/administration & dosage, methotrexate/therapeutic use, pregnancy (abdominal, angular, cervix, cornual, ectopic, ectopic/diagnosis, ectopic/diagnostic imaging, ectopic/drug therapy, ectopic/epidemiology, ectopic/mortality, ectopic/surgery, heterotopic, interstitial, isthmo-cervical, ovarian, tubal, unknown location), recurrence, risk factors, salpingectomy, salpingostomy, tubal pregnancy, ultrasonography, doppler ultrasonography, and prenatal. Articles included were randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, observational studies, and case reports. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. Only English-language articles were reviewed.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Obstetrician-gynaecologists, family physicians, emergency physicians, midwives, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, medical students, and residents and fellows.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES)

RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).

Directive clinique no 414 : Prise en charge des grossesses de localisation indéterminée et des grossesses ectopiques tubaires et non tubaires

OBJECTIF

Fournir un algorithme fondé sur des données probantes pour orienter le diagnostic et la prise en charge de la grossesse de localisation indéterminée et de la grossesse ectopique tubaire ou non tubaire.

POPULATION CIBLE

Toutes les patientes en âge de procréer. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en œuvre de la présente directive a pour objectif de bénéficier aux patientes ayant obtenu un résultat positif pour la sous-unité bêta de la gonadotrophine chorionique et de fournir aux médecins un algorithme normalisé pour l'expectative et le traitement pharmacologique ou chirurgical en cas de grossesse de localisation indéterminée et de grossesse ectopique tubaire ou non tubaire. DONNéES PROBANTES: Les termes de recherche suivants ont été entrés dans les bases de données PubMed-Medline et Cochrane en 2018 : cesarean section, chorionic gonadotropin, beta subunit, human/blood, fallopian tubes/surgery, female, fertility, humans, infertility, laparoscopy, methotrexate, methotrexate/administration & dosage, methotrexate/therapeutic use, pregnancy (abdominal, angular, cervix, cornual, ectopic, ectopic/diagnosis, ectopic/diagnostic imaging, ectopic/drug therapy, ectopic/epidemiology, ectopic/mortality, ectopic/surgery, heterotopic, interstitial, isthmo-cervical, ovarian, tubal, unknown location), recurrence, risk factors, salpingectomy, salpingostomy, tubal pregnancy, ultrasonography, doppler ultrasonography et prenatal. Les articles retenus sont des essais cliniques randomisés, des méta-analyses, des revues systématiques, des études observationnelles et des études de cas. Des publications supplémentaires ont été sélectionnées à partir des notices bibliographiques de ces articles. Seuls les articles en anglais ont été examinés. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la solidité des recommandations en utilisant la méthodologie GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et faibles). PUBLIC VISé: Obstétriciens-gynécologues, médecins de famille, urgentologues, sages-femmes, infirmières autorisées, infirmières praticiennes, étudiants en médecine, résidents et moniteurs cliniques. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES (CLASSEMENT GRADE ENTRE PARENTHèSES): RECOMMANDATIONS (CLASSEMENT GRADE ENTRE PARENTHèSES).

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Surgical Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy with Salpingectomy versus Salpingostomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the fertility outcomes of salpingectomy compared with those of salpingostomy among patients treated for tubal ectopic pregnancies, including a separate analysis of women with risk factors along with a review of the surgical technique.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic review and meta-analysis from 1990 to the present through PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Ovid MEDLINE. The search string included "tubal pregnancy" or "ectopic" as well as "salpingectomy" and various terms describing salpingotomy.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Articles studying women who underwent surgical management of an ectopic pregnancy and the contrasted outcomes of salpingectomy vs salpingostomy were reviewed. The primary outcomes included subsequent intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and repeat ectopic pregnancy (REP).

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which consisted mostly of patients classified as low risk, and patients from 16 cohort studies were included. In the RCTs, there was no significant difference in the odds of subsequent IUP in patients who underwent a salpingectomy compared with those who were treated with salpingotomy (odds ratio [OR] 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.33). However, a significant and clinically meaningful difference was noted in the cohort studies, with the patients having a lower chance of IUP after salpingectomy (OR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.39-0.52). No significant difference was noted in the OR for a REP in the randomized trials (OR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.41-1.47), but the patients followed in the cohort studies had a cumulatively higher risk of REP after a salpingostomy (OR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60-0.90). The subgroup analysis examining women within the studies with risk factors for tubal pathology found an even more impressive lowering in the odds of a subsequent IUP in patients classified as at-risk who were treated with salpingectomy (OR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17-0.54), with a change in the direction of the odds for an REP rate favoring those who were treated with salpingostomy (OR 1.96; 95% CI, 0.88-4.35).

CONCLUSION

Salpingectomy has clear advantages over salpingostomy, and RCTs consisting mainly of patients classified as low risk show no difference in outcomes between salpingectomy and salpingostomy. However, in cohort studies inclusive of all patients, the likelihood of a subsequent spontaneous IUP is decreased in patients treated with salpingectomy, and salpingostomies may be especially underused in women with risk factors for tubal disease.

Spontaneous Bilateral Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: Incidental Finding During Laparoscopy - Brief Report and Review of Literature

Objective: Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies are rare; the reported incidence is only 1 in 200 000 pregnancies. Detecting bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy is urgent because of the associated morbidity and mortality. The appropriate fertility-preserving surgery must also be considered, as preservation of both tubes is presumed to offer better fertility prospects. Case Report: A 39-year-old gravida 2, para 1 presented with vaginal bleeding at 8 + 4 weeks of gestation. An approximately 18 mm adnexal mass in the right fallopian tube was detected on ultrasound. Laparoscopy was performed because ectopic pregnancy was suspected. This suspicion was confirmed during laparoscopy; the right fallopian tube was found to contain a mass measuring 20 mm in the isthmic part. Ultrasound of the left fallopian tube also showed a mass in the ampullary region (diameter: 10 mm), also suspicious for ectopic pregnancy. Bilateral salpingotomy was performed laparoscopically. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusions for Practice: Although ectopic tubal pregnancy is seen more often after assisted reproductive techniques, bilateral spontaneous ectopic pregnancies must also be considered in other cases. Laparoscopic surgery is effective to confirm the diagnosis and treat heterotopic pregnancies. Further studies will be needed to confirm whether unilateral or bilateral conservative fertility-preserving surgery is more appropriate.

Comparison of the Fertility Outcome of Salpingotomy and Salpingectomy in Women with Tubal Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the natural fertility outcomes of salpingotomy and salpingectomy among women treated for tubal pregnancy.

METHODS

An online database search including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and Web of Science was performed to identify studies comparing salpingotomy and salpingectomy to treat women with tubal pregnancy. The search included papers published after the databases were established until May 2015. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and then extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of all of the included studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. The registration number is CRD42015017545 in PROSPERO.

RESULTS

Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight cohort studies, including a total of 1,229 patients, were znalyzed. The meta-analysis of the RCT subgroup indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in IUP rates (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.89-1.21, P = 0.61) nor the repeat ectopic pregnancy (REP) rate (RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.72-2.38, P = 0.39) between the salpingotomy and salpingectomy group. In contrast, the cohort study subgroup analysis revealed that the IUP rate was higher in the salpingotomy group compared with the salpingectomy group (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.08-1.42, P = 0.002); Salpingotomy also increased the risk of REP rate (RR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.12-4.58, P = 0.02). The persistent ectopic pregnancy (PEP) occurred more frequently in the salpingotomy group than the salpingectomy group (RR = 11.61, 95% CI = 3.17-42.46, P = 0.0002). An IUP would be more likely to occur after salpingotomy than salpingectomy when the follow-up time was more than 36 months (RR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02-1.32, P = 0.03). The IUP rate (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01-1.26, P = 0.03), and the REP rate (RR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.02-2.56, P = 0.04) was higher after salpingotomy than salpingectomy among patients from Europe compared with those from America.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, we believe that for patients with a healthy contralateral tube operated for tubal pregnancy, the subsequent fertility after salpingectomy and salpingotomy are similar in the long term. The fertility prospects will not be improved via salpingotomy compared with salpingectomy.

Fertility outcome analysis after surgical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the subsequent fertility and risk of recurrence of an ectopic pregnancy (EP) in women who had had an EP, according to the type of surgical treatment they received--that is, salpingectomy, salpingostomy or tubal anastomosis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out between January 2003 and September 2011 of 618 patients admitted to hospital with tubal EP and who had received surgical treatment (salpingectomy, n=434; salpingostomy, n=112; and tube anastomosis, n=72). Main outcomes included the first intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and recurrent EP.

RESULTS

The crude IUP rates up to 24 months after surgery were 55.5% for salpingectomy, 50.9% for salpingostomy and 40.3% for tubal anastomosis treatments. In the multivariate-adjusted model, with the patients receiving salpingectomy as the reference group, HR for patients after salpingostomy and tubal anastomosis treatments for IUP were 0.912 (95% CI 0.762 to 2.017) and 0.619 (95% CI 0.328 to 0.927), respectively. The 2-year cumulative recurrent EP rates were found to be 8.1% for salpingectomy, 6.3% for salpingostomy and 16.7% for tubal anastomosis treatments. Taking the patients receiving salpingectomy as the reference group, the patients who received tubal anastomosis had a positively higher risk of recurrent EP (HR=2.280; 95% CI 1.121 to 4.636) in univariate analysis. Adjustment for other potential confounders only slightly attenuated the HR.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with an EP receiving tubal anastomosis treatments appeared to have a lower 2-year rate of IUP and a higher risk of recurrent EP after adjustment for other potential risk factors.

Implications of perihepatic adhesions in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To establish whether the finding of perihepatic adhesions (PHAs) at laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy (EP) is associated with poor perioperative and reproductive outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of all cases of EP managed surgically at a teaching hospital in northeast London in 2003-2013. Data for symptoms, reproductive history, ultrasonography findings, blood parameters, and findings at surgery were compared between patients with and without perihepatic adhesions (PHAs) identified at laparoscopy.

RESULTS

Among 802 women with EP, PHAs were identified during surgery for 60 (7.5%). Compared with women without PHAs, patients with PHAs were significantly more likely to have had previous pelvic inflammatory disease, previous EP, previous tubal surgery, and the finding of abnormal contralateral adnexa or other adhesions during laparoscopy (P≤0.024 for all). They also had higher preoperative hemoglobin concentrations and smaller hemoperitoneum volumes (P≤0.04 for both).

CONCLUSION

Women with PHAs at laparoscopy for EP had lower blood loss than did those without PHAs. The finding of PHAs was associated with an increased rate of recurrent EP, irrespective of a previous history of PID or EP.

Fallopian tube stripping forceps: a novel instrumental design for distal tubal pregnancy laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To compare a new method using fallopian tube stripping forceps (FTSF) for salpingostomy in laparoscopic tubal pregnancy management.

STUDY DESIGN

Comparative observational study. A total of 102 patients with ampullary tubal pregnancy were treated as follows: 56 patients (Group 1) underwent stripping by FTSF, and 46 patients (Group 2) underwent salpingostomy. The bleeding, operation time, persistent ectopic pregnancy (EP) rate, and the first reproductive performance were investigated.

RESULTS

We found less intraoperative bleeding, shorter operation times, and lower rates of EP recurrence in Group 1 compared with Group 2. In contrast, we observed no significant differences in the persistent EP rate, the occurrences of spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy and miscarriage, and the rates of successful IVF between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

For distal tubal pregnancy with an ectopic mass ≤30mm, laparoscopic fallopian tube stripping assisted by FTSF may be an easy, less-damaging, conservative operational modality with lower recurrent EP compared with salpingostomy for patients who desire future pregnancy.

Hemostatic gelatine-thrombin matrix (Floseal®) facilitates hemostasis and organ preservation in laparoscopic treatment of tubal pregnancy

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic salpingotomy has become the gold standard for the treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP). Limitations for organ preservation in TEP can result from intra-operative bleeding or potential tubal damage due to application of thermal coagulation. Hemostatic gelatine-thrombin matrix Floseal® allows effective local hemostasis when sutures or thermal coagulation are inadequate or impossible.

METHODS

We demonstrate in two cases how tubal preservation following effective hemostasis can be achieved by local application of gelatine-thrombin matrix.

RESULTS

In both cases, the ectopic pregnancy was localized in the ampullar part of the right tube, with gestational sac diameter of 38 and 15 mm, respectively, and visible embryos of 25 and 6.5 mm, respectively. After laparoscopic salpingotomy and evacuation of TEP, diffuse bleeding from the implantation site at the tubal wall was treated with the hemostatic matrix. Punctual bipolar coagulation was used only in Case 1 for striking bleeding from incision margins. Both patients were discharged without complications within 24-48 h after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemostatic gelatine-thrombin matrix Floseal® minimizes tissue damage and optimizes local hemostasis. The use of Floseal® enhances the chance of organ preservation in the laparoscopic treatment of TEP.

Fertility after tubal ectopic pregnancy: results of a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reproductive outcome after an ectopic pregnancy (EP) based on the type of treatment used, and to identify predictive factors of spontaneous fertility.

DESIGN

Observational population based-study.

SETTING

Regional sistry.

PATIENT(S)

One thousand sixty-four women registered from 1992 to 2008.

INTERVENTION(S)

Laparoscopic (radical or conservative), or medical treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Epidemiologic characteristics, clinical presentation, treatments performed, reproductive outcome, recurrence.

RESULT(S)

The 24-month cumulative rate of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) was 67% after salpingectomy, 76% after salpingostomy, and 76% after medical treatment. IUP rate was lower after radical treatment compared with conservative treatments in univariable analysis. In multivariate analysis, IUP rate was significantly lower for patients >35 years old or with history of infertility or tubal disease. For them, IUP rate was significantly higher after conservative treatment compared with salpingectomy. The 2-year cumulative rate of recurrences was 18.5% after salpingostomy or salpingectomy and 25.5% after medical treatment. History of infertility or of previous live birth would be protective, in contrast to history of voluntary termination of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION(S)

Conservative strategy seems to be preferred, whenever possible, to preserve patients' fertility without increasing the risk of recurrence. The choice between conservative treatments does not rely on subsequent fertility, but more likely on their own indications and therapeutic effectiveness. Risk factors of recurrence could be considered for secondary prevention.

Fertility outcomes subsequent to treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy in younger Turkish women

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The assessment of future fertility in patients that were hospitalized with diagnosis of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

DESIGN

Between January 1998 and September 2008, we retrospectively reviewed 219 tubal ectopic pregnancy patients who were hospitalized. The patients using contraceptive methods, underwent previous pelvic or tubal surgery, pregnancy after in vitro fertilization, over the age of 28, and extratubal ectopic pregnancies were excluded. Patients who actively attempted to conceive were included. We called all the patients to see whether they had pregnancy in 24 months, and how long they had waited for this after the operation. Overall, we could not reach 14 patients who were treated surgically (n = 9) or medically (n = 5).

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.

PARTICIPANTS

Women aged between 18 and 28 years that were treated because of tubal ectopic pregnancy and have concerns about infertility.

INTERVENTIONS

Medical treatment with methotrexate (n = 34), salpingectomy (n = 62) salpingostomy (n = 37).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intrauterine pregnancy rates, ectopic pregnancy rates and mean time to pregnancy after interventions.

RESULTS

After questionnaire: in the methotrexate group; six of 29 (20%) had no pregnancy; 23 (79%) of them conceived, but three (10%) of the pregnancies were extrauterine. Thirty-seven patients received salpingostomy and 62 patients composed the salpingectomy group. Intrauterine pregnancy rates up to 24 months were established as 65.2% in salpingectomy (n = 55) and 60.1% in the salpingostomy (n = 35) groups respectively. No significant difference was noticed when pregnancy rates were compared among three groups (P = 0.942). Mean time to pregnancy in methotrexate group was 7.8 ± 2.2 months, and in salpingostomy and salpingectomy groups was 8.7 ± 2.2 and 9.3 ± 3.1 months respectively (P = 0.841).

CONCLUSION

Since we found no difference in terms of pregnancy rates among three groups, medical treatment appears to be more favored with early and accurate diagnosis. After salpingectomy, patients may conceive later in life when compared with other groups so selected patients should be assessed according to their age for the decision of assisted reproductive techniques.