Aim: Although ectopic pregnancy is defined as the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, even today it remains to be an important health problem. In this study, we aimed to evaluate retrospectively demographic characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment modalities in patients diagnosed as ectopic pregnancy.
Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy was performed using records from Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the period between January 2008 to November 2011. Demographic characteristics, referral symptoms, ultrasonographic findings of the patients, location of ectopic pregnancy, treatment modalities, and success rates were evaluated.
Results: Two hundred patients diagnosed as ectopic pregnancies were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 29.34±5.38 years. Mean number of gravidas (2.71±1.74), parities (1.15±1.23), miscarriages (0.41±0.80) and live newborns (1.07±1.71) were determined. The patients received expectant, medical, and surgical treatment alternatives. Patients received expectant (n=36; 18%), methotrexate (n=80; 40%), and surgical treatment at their first presentation. Surgical alternatives applied for patients consisted of salpyngectomy (n=89), salpyngostomy (n=5), and tubal milking (n=3). Most (n=34; 94%) of the 36 patients who received expectant therapy were cured, while the remaining 2 patients later underwent surgical treatment.
Conclusions: Under current conditions, ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed earlier, and as discussed in this study, it is a clinical condition, which responds to all of three treatment modalities. In conclusion, in the management of ectopic pregnancy, expectant therapy can be instituted in addition to methotrexate and surgical treatment.
Key Words: Ectopic Pregnancy; Methotrexate; Surgical Treatment.
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