A Clinical Study of Ectopic Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Ectopic pregnancy is still a major health problem among women of childbearing age, causes major maternal morbidity and mortality with pregnancy loss, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. This study is an analysis of the clinical profile of ectopic pregnancy, the current status of the incidence and the management options. METHODS: One hundred and seventy six cases of ectopic pregnancies managed at the Daedong Hospital between January 1998 and December 2002 were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 1 in 28 pregnanciies and the most common age group was 31-35 years of age (35%). Nullipara was 34.6% and the cases who experienced artificial abortion was 76%. Twenty four percentages of cases had a history of previous abdominal surgery and 20% of patients reported a history of pelvic inflammatory disease. Common complaints of ectopic pregnancy were fallopian tube (91%), interstitial (6.2%), ovary (0.05%) and in tubal pregnancies, the most frequent site was ampullar (74%). Laparotomy was done in 64%, pelviscopic operation was done in 32% and the most common operative procedure was salpingectomy in 76%. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and appropriate management of ectopic pregnancy will remain the most effective means of reducing the mortality and morbidity, increasing the fertility. Ectopic pregnancy must be excluded in a sexually active woman with a positive pregnancy test, abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. treatment should be tailored to individual needs.