Ectopic pregnancy. Surgical intervention and perioperative nursing care

Because of the wide variety of ectopic pregnancies, there is no established routine for surgical removal. Fortunately, many are small, unruptured tubal pregnancies that can be easily removed via laparoscopy. But because these procedures and skills are relatively new, most surgeons continue to use a laparotomy in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. A skilled OR team is required when faced with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, reports that of the 165 deaths resulting from ectopic pregnancies it studied, hemorrhage was the cause of death in 88% of the cases. According to the study, only one third of these women had surgery, but the researchers suggest that prompt surgical intervention may be the key to preventing mortality.