A 5-year experience of the changing management of ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

This retrospective audit reviewed all ectopic pregnancies over a 5-year period in a district general hospital setting. Of 215 ectopic pregnancies identified, notes were available for 208 (97%). 202 cases were determined to have been diagnosed and managed as ectopic pregnancies. Six cases were excluded as they were pregnancies of unknown location managed as such. The proportion of patients managed non-surgically has increased following the introduction of our consultant-led early pregnancy assessment unit from 25% prior to 31% currently. The success rates have improved in both those managed expectantly (50%–73%) and those with methotrexate (75%–90%). There has been a corresponding drop in those managed surgically from 75% to 69%, and a reduction in negative laparoscopies from 13% to 6%. Provided recommended criteria and follow-up are adhered to, non-surgical management has been shown to have comparative safety to traditional surgical management with acceptable efficacy and patient acceptability.

Keywords::

• Ectopic pregnancy
• management
• early pregnancy assessment unit
• methotrexate
• expectant

Acknowledgements

Data collection assisted by Dr J. Pennekett, Dr H. Covell and Dr C. Savage is gratefully acknowledged by authors.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declaration of interest.