By combining diagnostic modalities such as serial human chorionic gona
dotropin titers, transvaginal sonography, and suction curettage, most
unruptured ectopic pregnancies can be diagnosed without laparoscopy. W
hen the diagnosis can be made in this manner, methotrexate may be the
treatment of choice. It certainly should be considered as an alternati
ve form of treatment in patients with an unruptured ectopic pregnancy.
A randomized clinical trial comparing systemic methotrexate with lapa
roscopic salpingostomy in patients who are methotrexate eligible would
be helpful.