Ultrasound-guided injection of ectopic pregnancy

Preliminary studies have demonstrated that salpingocentesis is a safe and effective treatment for unruptured ectopic pregnancies that are visible by transvaginal ultrasound. So far, experience with this technique has been confined to only a few centers around the world. The most promising results of these studies has been the virtual absence of side effects associated with local injection of either methotrexate or hyperosmolar glucose. Large prospective trials comparing efficacy, safety, and overall cost of salpingocentesis against systemic methotrexate will be necessary to better define the role of salpingocentesis in the management of ectopic pregnancy. Patient recruitment for this type of clinical trial would be feasible and acceptable to patients because both treatment arms would avoid surgery.