Audit standards in ectopic pregnancy

Due to a combination of increasing public awareness and improved diagnostic techniques, women now present to the clinician early in pregnancy. The majority of women with an ectopic pregnancy are haemodynamically stable. This enables the gynaecologist to consider several management options, such as expectant, medical or laparoscopic surgical treatment rather than just the conventional open surgical approach. This review article examines current literature on the management of ectopic pregnancy and proposes audit standards to be used in the diagnosis and optimal treatment of ectopic pregnancy. It is hoped that this would then enable meaningful audit and review of current clinical practice, leading to improved patient outcome.