Ectopic pregnancy not within the (distal) fallopian tube: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Abstract

Ectopic pregnancy is a very common diagnosis (2% of pregnancies), and implantation location varies. Although 97% of ectopics are implanted within the fallopian tube, associated with commonly recognized risk factors, ectopic implantation can occur in other pelvic and abdominal locations that may not have such predisposing risk factors. After an extensive review of the literature, along with the author's personal experience, implantation frequency, etiologic possibilities, and treatment options for each ectopic pregnancy location are presented. When ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed early, before rupture, regardless of location, conservative, fertility-sparing treatment options can be successful in terminating the pregnancy. Predisposing risk factors and treatment options can vary and can be ectopic-location specific.