Preventing maternal deaths due to ectopic pregnancy

Abstract

The majority of maternal deaths due to ectopic pregnancy (EP) could be avoided if the health service renders better-quality care. There are two common clinical mistakes that lead to death from EP: (i) failure to make the diagnosis, because the attending healthcare worker does not consider this option; and (ii) failure to act urgently to stop the bleeding when there are signs of hypovolaemic shock. The only reliable way to stop the bleeding in a shocked patient with a ruptured EP is to urgently perform a laparotomy and clamp the bleeding vessels. Doctors at district hospitals must learn and maintain the skills required to provide anaesthesia for and operate on patients with a ruptured EP.