ABSTRACT
Ectopic pregnancy remains a serious and potentially fatal condition, defined by the implantation
of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity—most commonly in the fallopian tube. In low
resource settings such as Nigeria, where access to prompt medical care may be limited, ectopic
pregnancy often presents late and can result in life-threatening complications such as tubal rupture,
internal bleeding, and significant maternal morbidity. Despite advancements in diagnostic and
treatment modalities, the burden of ectopic pregnancy continues to rise in many developing
countries.
This study aimed to determine the incidence, patterns of clinical presentation, and management
outcomes of ectopic pregnancy at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital
(ATBUTH) in Bauchi, Nigeria, over a five-year period. A retrospective review was carried out,
covering the period from January 2011 to December 2015. Data were obtained from case files and
theatre records of 615 women who were diagnosed and managed for ectopic pregnancy during this
time. Information extracted included patient demographics, known risk factors, presenting
symptoms, site of implantation, and types of treatment offered. The data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics to identify trends and highlight key findings.
The study found an average ectopic pregnancy incidence of 2.96%, with a noticeable rise from
1.9% in 2011 to 3.9% in 2015. Most of the affected women were in their late twenties, specifically
aged 26 to 30 years, and the majority were married. Pelvic inflammatory disease and a history of
multiple sexual partners were the most common predisposing factors. A significant concern was
the delayed presentation, with approximately 72% of the cases arriving at the hospital with
ruptured ectopic pregnancies. The ampullary region of the fallopian tube emerged as the most
frequent site of implantation, accounting for 68.1% of cases. Due to the advanced stage at
presentation, surgical intervention was often necessary, with total salpingectomy performed in
90.6% of cases.
In conclusion, the study underscores a growing burden of ectopic pregnancy at ATBUTH,
primarily driven by delayed diagnosis and management. The high rate of ruptured ectopics and
subsequent surgical intervention highlights the need for increased awareness and early health
seeking behavior among women of reproductive age. Public health interventions should prioritize
reproductive health education, improved access to contraception, prompt treatment of pelvic
infections, and stronger referral systems.
Keywords: Ectopic Pregnancy, Fallopian Tubes, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Salpingectomy,
Tubal Diseases
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