[New therapeutic methods in tubal pregnancy]

A world-wide increase in the incidence of extrauterine pregnancy has increased interest in new forms of treatment of this condition. In Denmark, the number of cases of diagnosed tubal pregnancies has doubled from 1980 til 1989. Experience with the spontaneous course of tubal pregnancies is reviewed. In addition, various forms of laparoscopic treatment and systemic and local treatment with methotrexate are described. In Denmark, local treatment with prostaglandin has been employed with good effect. Whether conservative surgical treatment or treatment with methotrexate or prostaglandin are to be employed depends upon the patience of the treating physician as regards control examinations with ultrasonic scanning and measurement of serum human chorion gonadotropin. Repeated tubal pregnancy in the salpinx involved, persisting trophoblastic tissue after treatment and long periods of observation are unintentional side effects of treatment. After conservative treatment of tubal pregnancy, it is important that the patient is given meticulous information.