An ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the fertilized ovum is implanted and develops outside the normal uterine cavity. It is one of the common cause for death of mother during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents maternal death.

Causes:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Contraception failure.
• Tubal surgery.
• Intrapelvic adhesions following intrapelvic surgery
• Previous ectopic pregnancy.
• Developmental defects of the tubes.
• Previous abortions.
• Artificial insemination of pregnency.

Signs and symptoms:

• Amenorrhea (absense of menstruation or delayed periods or slight soptting).
• Abdominal pain: Pain is acute, severe, agonising.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Other features like nausea, vomiting, fainting attacks.
• On palpation of abdomen reveals tenderness.

Tests and diagnosis:

• Medical hisory.
• Pelvic examaintion.
• Ultrasound scan.
• Transvaginal scan.
• Laparoscopy.
• Pregnancy test.
  

Treatment:

• Salpingectomy: Removal of tubes.
  
• Laparatomy.
• Hysterectomy.