If the test is positive, then an ultrasound scan can usually establish whether the pregnancy is in the uterus. Sometimes a pregnancy sac may be seen outside the uterus and, therefore, confirm the diagnosis. However, identifying an ectopic pregnancy may be very difficult and laparoscopy is often the only way of confirming the diagnosis if no pregnancy can be seen in the uterus. This is a technique whereby a fine telescope is inserted near the umbilicus, which allows the gynaecologist to visualise the pelvic organs. A pregnancy in the fallopian tube can be easily seen.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs once in every one hundred pregnancies.
However, some women have a slightly higher risk than this. Women who are at increased risk may be advised to have an ultrasound scan in early pregnancy, particularly if they have any vaginal bleeding. Ectopic Pregnancy Traditionally, tubal pregnancy has been treated by removing the tube involved. However, newer and more sensitive tests mean that doctors have the means to make the diagnosis earlier, so that the tube can often be preserved. It may be possible to remove the pregnancy using the laparoscope, thus avoiding major surgery.