A prospective study of morbidity patterns in ectopic pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy is potentially life-threatening and remains the leading cause of maternal death. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is increased during last few years all over the world.

Objective: To study the mortality and morbidity of Ectopic Pregnancy at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Methods: This prospective study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Vinayaka Mission's Medical College, Karaikal, Puducherry for a period of 2 years. 70 cases of ectopic pregnancy were diagnosed and recruited for the study. TVS / TAS was done to diagnose and also to ascertain the severity of the condition. Apart from routine surgical profile, β-hCG assay was also performed.

Results: Out of 70 patients, 62(88.5%) patients were managed by laparotomy, 7 (10%) patients were by laparoscopically, one patient (1.4%) was successfully managed by medical therapy. The most common site for ectopic was found in ampulla in 52(74%) patients, followed by isthmus 6 (8.24%), ovary 5 (7.14%), interstitial 1 (1.4%), cornua 2(2.28%), fimbria 2 (2. 28%) and infundibulam 2(2.28%). In our study group about morbidity, 67 cases post operative period was uneventful, 3 (4.2%) cases were admitted in ICU.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and timely conservative surgical or medical management is essential to reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality and also helps in conserving fertility.