Methotrexate has been the main mode of non-surgical treatment for ectopic pregnancies. However, we have developed an easier, repeatable method that can be applied even to patients with a high beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level and/or positive fetal heartbeat, by targeting chorionic villi with a transvaginal injection of absolute ethanol (AE) into the lacunar space (intervillous space). The efficacy and safety of this method were examined in 242 cases of ectopic pregnancy, including 103 with positive fetal heartbeat. Serum β-hCG level was measured at frequent intervals, and transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to observe the gestational sac and hyperechoic inner ring. Of the 242 patients, 222 (91.7%) were successfully treated. The average number of AE injection(s) required was 1.6 (range: 1-5), and the average dose was 3.2 mL. After the treatment, many of the patients tried to conceive again, and 63 of the traceable 145 patients (43.4%), who had fallopian tube pregnancy, and 7 of the traceable 12 patients (58.3%), who had cervical or cesarean scar pregnancies, successfully conceived and delivered babies with no observed side effects. Therefore, this method could be an effective treatment for ectopic pregnancy with the potential to replace conventional surgical interventions and medical treatment using methotrexate.
Keywords: absolute ethanol; chorionic villi-targeted therapy; ectopic pregnancies; methotrexate; nonsurgical management; transvaginal ultrasonography.