A retrospective study of ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is one of the common acute abdominal emergencies posing a serious threat to life. The overall incidence of ectopic pregnancy is on a steady increase over the last two decades. Yet the case fatality rate has come down due to early diagnosis and management. 95% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube, and rest 5% cumulatively in the ovary, cervix, peritoneal cavity and previous caesarean section scar. The present study was done to analyse the associated risk factors, clinical manifestations and management options of ectopic pregnancy.

Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study was done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Ariyur, Puducherry, between January 2018- November 2021. Data was collected from the case sheets, operative notes and a retrospective analysis of the cohort of patients with ectopic pregnancy was done.

Results: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to November 2021 involving a total of 50 cases. We found that majority of tubal gestation occurred in the age group 26-30 years 58.6% and 13.7% in the age group more than 30 years. Majority of patients 65.5% underwent U/L salpingectomy.10.34% underwent salpingo oophorectomy. Fimbrial expression was done for two patients. Two patients underwent fimbriectomy. Cornual stump excision was done in two patients. Hemoperitoneum was detected in 55.17% of cases.

Conclusion: Ectopic gestation can become an obstetrical emergency and reproductive capacity hampering morbidity if not diagnosed and treated on time. However having a high vigilance and evaluating every woman in the reproductive age group who presents with the classical clinical triad of amenorrhea, pain abdomen and bleeding per vagina can help in curbing the incidence in future.