ECTOPIC PREGNANCY - EPIDEMIOLOGY, ADVANCES IN DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Ectopic pregnancy was first clearly described by Abulcasis, a famous Arabic writer on surgical topics. 1 Although maternal deaths from ectopic pregnancy have declined, it is still the leading cause of death in the first trimester and accounts for 6-11 % of all maternal deaths. From 1982 to 1984, 14 women died in England and Wales from this condition. 2 The presence of ectopic pregnancy subjects women to the uncertainties of intra-abdominal bleeding, laparotomy, extended hospital stay and fetal loss. Furthermore, they could face reduced future fertility. 3