What is the recommended treatment for a confirmed ectopic pregnancy?

In the case of a confirmed ectopic pregnancy, the recommended treatment involves the use of methotrexate therapy when certain criteria are met, such as the patient's hemodynamic stability and the size of the ectopic mass being less than 4 cm, along with declining or low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Methotrexate is a chemotherapy agent that works by inhibiting cell division and is effective in resolving the ectopic tissue without the need for surgery, making it less invasive.

This treatment allows for the preservation of the fallopian tube and recovery without the complications that can arise from surgical intervention. The use of methotrexate is particularly appropriate in early diagnoses of ectopic pregnancies and when no severe symptoms are present, promoting a conservative approach while carefully monitoring the patient's progress.

Surgical intervention, while sometimes necessary in specific cases of ectopic pregnancy, is not the preferred first-line treatment unless there are signs of rupture or significant bleeding, as it is more invasive and can lead to longer recovery times. Therefore, methotrexate therapy is the most appropriate and effective initial treatment choice for managing a non-ruptured ectopic pregnancy.