Ectopic pregnancy- Art of diagnosis and treatment a short term review

An ectopic pregnancy, is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity (Page et al., 1976). Generally ectopic pregnancies are not viable. Furthermore, they are dangerous for the mother, since internal haemorrhage is a life-threatening complication. Most of the ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube, but implantation can also occur in the cervix, ovaries, and abdomen. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency, and, if not treated properly, can lead to death. Ectopic pregnancy causes major maternal morbidity and mortality, with pregnancy loss, and its incidence is increasing worldwide (Why women die, 1998; Storeide et al., 1997; Ectopic pregnancy—united states, 1995). In northern Europe between 1976 and 1993 the incidence increased from 11.2 to 18.8 per 1000 pregnancies, (Storeide et al., 1997) and in 1989 in the united states admissions to hospital for ectopic pregnancy increased from 17 800 in 1970 to 88 400 (Simms et al., 1997). These changes were greatest in women over 35 years of age (Storeide et al., 1997; Ectopic pregnancy—united states, 1995). In the united kingdom there are around 11 000 cases of ectopic pregnancy per year (incidence 11.5 per 1000 pregnancies), with four deaths (a rate of 0.4 per 1000 ectopic pregnancies) (Why women die, 1998).