Treatment By Mayo Clinic Staff Print A fertilized egg can't develop normally outside the uterus. To prevent life-threatening complications, the ectopic tissue needs to be removed. Depending on your symptoms and when the ectopic pregnancy is discovered, this may be done using medication, laparoscopic surgery or abdominal surgery. MedicationAn early ectopic pregnancy without unstable bleeding is most often treated with a medication called methotrexate, which stops cell growth and dissolves existing cells. The medication is given by injection. It's very important that the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is certain before receiving this treatment. After the injection, your doctor will order another HCG test to determine how well treatment is working, and if you need more medication. Laparoscopic proceduresSalpingostomy and salpingectomy are two laparoscopic surgeries used to treat some ectopic pregnancies. In these procedure, a small incision is made in the abdomen, near or in the navel. Next, your doctor uses a thin tube equipped with a camera lens and light (laparoscope) to view the tubal area. In a salpingostomy, the ectopic pregnancy is removed and the tube left to heal on its own. In a salpingectomy, the ectopic pregnancy and the tube are both removed. Which procedure you have depends on the amount of bleeding and damage and whether the tube has ruptured. Also a factor is whether your other fallopian tube is normal or shows signs of prior damage. Emergency surgeryIf the ectopic pregnancy is causing heavy bleeding, you might need emergency surgery. This can be done laparoscopically or through an abdominal incision (laparotomy). In some cases, the fallopian tube can be saved. Typically, however, a ruptured tube must be removed. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment March 12, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Cunningham FG, et al., eds. Implantation and placental development. In: Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Dec. 4, 2019. Tulandi T. Ectopic pregnancy: Epidemiology, risk factors, and anatomic sites. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 4, 2019. Cunningham FG, et al., eds. Ectopic pregnancy. In: Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Dec. 4, 2019. Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ 155. Ectopic pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ectopic-Pregnancy. Accessed Dec. 4, 2019. Tulandi T. Ectopic pregnancy: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 29, 2017. Burnett TL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Dec. 4, 2019. Ectopic pregnancySymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20372070 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Ectopic pregnancy