Transvaginal ultrasound scan versus laparoscopy in the diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

This is a prospective study comparing the performance of transvaginal ultrasound scan with laparoscopy as the last diagnostic tool in a clinically suspected ectopic pregnancy. Both diagnostic methods have the same sensitivity of 100%. Transvaginal ultrasound scan had a specificity of 73·7% and a positive predictive value of 89·8%. Laparoscopy had a specificity of 84·8% and a positive predictive value of 94·6%. The use of laparoscopy could avoid laparotomy in only 3·4% of patients. Since transvaginal ultrasound scan is easier, safer and cheaper than laparoscopy, more emphasis should be laid on its use in our environment than laparoscopy.