Ectopic Pregnancy: A study of epidemiology, diagnosis and management

Abstract

Aims: The study was done to analyze the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment aspect of patients with ectopic pregnancy. Methods: This was a prospective study of patients with ectopic pregnancy who received treatment. The data of all patients admitted during this period with the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy were collected. Data on age, parity, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment, operative findings, etc. were analyzed. Results: There were 61 cases of ectopic pregnancy with the hospital incidence of 1.46%. Highest number of patients 20 (32.79%) were in the age range of 28-32 years. Most of the patients were nullipara 22 (36.06%) or with parity two 20 (32.79%). Some risk factors were found in 29 (47.54%) cases. The commonest risk factor was pelvic inflammatory disease in 12 (19.67%). All presented with pain abdomen, 48 (78.68%) had per vaginal bleeding, 17 (27.87%) presented in shock. Cervical excitation was present in 38 (62.29%). Urine for pregnancy test was positive in all and 37 (60.66%) had ultrasonography. Ten (16.39%) patients underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery and 40 (65.57%) had emergency laparotomy. Salpingectomy was required in 53 (86.89%) cases. The average hospital stay was 5 days. Conclusions: The study showed that ectopic pregnancy could occur at any reproductive age without obvious risk factors. Although not all patients gave history of amenorrhoea, pain abdomen was present in all.