Local application of methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy with a percutaneous puncturing technique.

Management of ectopic pregnancy remains traditionally surgical. Early detection of unruptured ectopic pregnancies, using both ultrasound techniques and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) assays, allows a more conservative treatment. Twenty-six tubal pregnancies, which were managed with local methotrexate (MTX) injection, are presented. A single dose of 10-12.5 mg of MTX was percutaneously injected into the gestational sac under abdominal sonographic control. Complete resolution was obtained in all our patients. Four of them required a second percutaneous administration 4 days after the first one. Negligible serum beta-hCG levels (< 10 mIU/ml) were reached within 42 days after treatment. No systemic side effects were observed. Local administration of MTX under abdominal sonographic control seems to be an effective alternative for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. The main potential advantages of the method are (1) a greater antitrophoblastic effect; (2) a shorter treatment period; (3) reduced dosage, and (4) absence of side effects.