Place of culdocentesis in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

In developing countries the high incidence of anaemia and pelvic infection often makes the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy difficult. Culdocentesis has been used in 100 doubtful cases out of 144 consecutive cases of ectopic pregnancy. The preoperative diagnosis was correct in 93 out of the 100 cases. There were three false-negative and four false-positive results; only two unnecessary laparotomies were performed. It is suggested that culdocentesis has an essential place in the early diagnosis of doubtful or atypical ectopic pregnancy. It was simple, safe, and reliable. Owing to earlier diagnosis maternal mortality and morbidity and the duration of stay in hospital have all been reduced.