Ectopic pregnancy in a rural practice

A 13 year retrospective review of 117 cases of rupture ectopic pregnancy presenting in a rural practice in Oyo State, Nigeria was conducted to determine the clinical pattern and management modalities in this common gynaecological emergency. It showed that the incidence was low due to a low incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease at laparatomy. Autotransfusion and application of appropriate technology in health care delivery played a dominant role in the management of the patients. The mortality rate of 5.9% is still high. Identified contributory factors such as ignorance and inadequate social infrastructure need government intervention to reduce the death rate.