Subacute ectopic pregnancy

A series of 90 patients with 98 ectopic pregnancies is discussed, emphasising problems of diagnosis. Predisposing factors and evidence of previous pelvic pathology were not uncommon. Laparotomy was considerably delayed in 31 patients, 15 of whom required two admissions before definitive treatment. There was one death in the series. An accurate history is most important. In doubtful cases, direct inspection of the pelvic organs is the only sure way of excluding ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopy allows this, yet will save a laparotomy in a number of cases.