Clinical Study of Ectopic Pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to assist in early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: We analyzed clinical statistics of 401 patients, who visited Masan Samsung Hospital from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2002, received treatment under diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, and were comfirmed by histopathologic examination. RESULTS: During the index period, the occurrence rate of ectopic pregnancy was 116.5, with peak age of occurrence between 30 to 34 year-old (34.4%). Previous history of artificial abortion was noted in 76.1%, previous cesarean delivery in 17%, previous pelvic inflammatory disease in 15.7% and history of previous ectopic pregancy in 9.5%. Concerned to clinical manifestations, lower abdominal pain was reported in 93.3%, amenorrhea in 86.5%, and vaginal bleeding in 69.3%. Onset of clinical manifestation was 6-8 weeks from the last menstrual period in 39.7%, being the most common. As the implantation site, fallopian tube was affected in 95.3%, ovary in 3%, and cervix of the uterus in 1%. Total amount of intraperitoneal hemorrhage was less then 500 mL in 45.6%. As an operative treatment, salpingectomy of the affected side was conducted in 76.8%. Average lengths of hospital stay for laparoscopy versus laparotomy were 3.4 and 5.2 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ectopic pregnancy, as a common emergent disorders, requires continuous attention for women in reproductive age. With the aid of various diagnostic modalities, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce mortality and morbidity rates, and enhance future fetility.