DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CONSERVATIVE AND SURGICAL APPROACHES

Abstract

Objective: To report the main aspects of ectopic pregnancy (EG), including diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Methodology: Review of 231 articles in PubMed Central (PMC) using the descriptors "Ectopic Pregnancy," "Infertility," and "Pregnancy Complications." The inclusion criteria were: articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish; published between 2019 and 2024; addressing the proposed themes. Review, observational and experimental studies, available in full, were also included. The exclusion criteria were: duplicate articles, abstracts, which did not directly address the proposal studied and did not meet the inclusion criteria. After applying the selection criteria, 13 studies were used to compose the collection. Results: EG is a potentially fatal gynecological condition, being one of the main causes of maternal mortality in the first trimester. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, using serum b-hCG levels and ultrasound. Management of EG involves pharmacological approaches with methotrexate, surgical approaches with salpingostomy or salpingectomy, and expectant management, depending on the clinical presentation and patient preferences. Conclusion: EG represents a condition of high relevance in obstetrics, requiring adequate diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications. Research and development of new diagnostic markers and personalized therapies are essential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with ectopic pregnancy.