The management of ectopic pregnancies and pregnancies of unknown location

Since the introduction of dedicated Early Pregnancy Units and the use of high-resolution transvaginal probes ectopic pregnancies are diagnosed at earlier gestations. As a result, the treatment options in the management of ectopic pregnancies have diversified. In this review, the role of transvaginal sonography in the management of women with ectopic pregnancies is described and the different treatment modalities available in their management are critically evaluated. We assert that ectopic pregnancy should be diagnosed on the basis of positively visualising an adnexal mass using transvaginal sonography, rather than the absence of an intrauterine pregnancy. If a pregnancy cannot be seen, either inside or outside the uterus, this should be described as a pregnancy of unknown location and managed expectantly until the outcome is confirmed.