Objective: This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate and analyze the clinical charac-teristics of the ectopic pregnancy. And we expect this article to assist in early diagnosis and treatment
of the disease.
Methods: In this study, we studied retrospectively 493 cases of ectopic pregnancy which had been dmitted, treated and confirmed by histopathological at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Eulji University Hospital from Jan. 1, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2005.
Results: During the index period, the occurrence rate of ectopic pregnancy was 1:10.6, with the peak age of occurrence between 25 to 34 year-old (63.0%). Previous history of abortion was noted in 57.0%, previous cesarean delivery in 22.3% and history of previous ectopic pregnancy in 12.2%. Lower abdominal pain was the most common clinical symptom developed in 84.6% of the patients. The most common onset of clinical manifestation was 6~8 weeks from the last menstrual period in 47.6%. Most ectopic pregnancies were tubal pregnancies and salpingectomy was done in 80.7% of the patients.
Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the early pregnancy, subsequently may lead to infertility in reproductive age women. In order to minimize such
problems, clinicians are particularly familiar with early diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic procedures on ectopic pregnancy. By preventing from the aggravation of symptoms and occurrence of complications,
we can enhance the future fertility and its prognosis.