Ectopic Pregnancy: A Paradigm Shift

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is a catastrophic and life-threatening condition and one of the commonest acute abdominal emergencies in day to day practice. The objectives of this present study were to know the incidence of ectopic pregnancy at the tertiary care center, evaluate age group, parity, and risk factors of ectopic pregnancy, and analyse clinical presentation, outcome, management, and associated morbidity and mortality with ectopic pregnancy. Methods: It was a retrospective study done at GSL Medical College and General Hospital, Rajahmundry from 1stAugust 2019 to 31st July 2020. A total of 58 patients with ectopic pregnancy were analysed on clinical presentation, clinicalfindings, investigations, operative findings and outcome. Results: A majority of women were in the age group of 22-32 years and most of them were multigravida. Commonest risk factors were previous history of abortion, tubal ligation and pelvic inflammatory disease. Amenorrhea and pain abdomen were the most common presenting symptoms. Ampulla of the fallopian tube was the commonest site for ectopic pregnancy. There were no maternal deaths and majority were discharged within seven days without serious morbidity. Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy still remains one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. With the use of better diagnostic modalities, ectopic pregnancies can be detected early, and referral in hemodynamically stable condition along with use of minimal access surgery or medical management not only reduces maternal morbidity but also preserves future fertility