Ravindra S Pukale, Spoorthi V Raj, Indumathi M
Ectopic pregnancy continues to present as a surgical emergency due to delayed diagnosis. Early detection and timely intervention can reduce morbidity and allow for conservative management in selected cases.
INTRODUCTION: Ectopic pregnancy is a significant cause of first-trimester morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in diagnostic modalities, delayed presentation remains common in many settings, leading to increased complications and the need for surgical intervention. The present study aimed to evaluate the risk factors, clinical profile, diagnostic findings, and various modalities of management of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care centre.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted over a period of three years from May 2022 to May 2025 at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, Karnataka, India. A total of 45 cases of ectopic pregnancy were included. Data regarding demographic profile, risk factors, clinical presentation, ultrasonographic findings, management, intraoperative details, and outcomes were collected from hospital records and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Results were expressed in N (%) format.
RESULTS: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 45/2398 (1.87%). The majority of patients were in the age group of 26-30 years (20; 44.4%) and were multigravida (27; 60.0%). Common risk factors included previous lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS) (18; 40.0%) and abortions (16; 35.6%), while 13 (28.9%) had no identifiable risk factors. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (38; 84.4%). Tubal ectopic pregnancy predominated in 37 (82.2%), with ampullary region involvement in 20 (54.1%). Ruptured ectopic pregnancy was observed in 35 (77.8%) cases. Surgical management was required in 41 (91.1%) patients, with laparotomy in 25 (61.0%) cases. Blood transfusion was required in 30 (66.7%) patients. There was no mortality.
CONCLUSION: Ectopic pregnancy continues to present as a surgical emergency due to delayed diagnosis. Early detection and timely intervention can reduce morbidity and allow for conservative management in selected cases.