Clinical Profile of Ectopic Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Center: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester. Delayed diagnosis often results in rupture, leading to life-threatening complications and adverse fertility outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care center in Nepal.

Methods: A five-year retrospective observational study was conducted at Nepal Police Hospital, Kathmandu from March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2025. All confirmed cases of ectopic pregnancy were included. Data on socio-demographics, risk factors, clinical features, operative findings, and management were collected from hospital records. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: Among 1,760 live births, 42 (2.38%) cases of ectopic pregnancy were identified. The mean age of the patients was 29.69±5.41 years, with the majority of cases occurring in women aged 20-35 years. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom, reported in 30 (71.42%) patients. A history of abortion was the leading risk factor, noted in 14 (33.3%) cases. Tubal rupture was observed in 37 (88.09%) patients, and the ampullary region was the most frequent site, involved in 38 (90.47%) cases. All patients underwent surgical management, with laparoscopic unilateral salpingectomy being the most commonly performed procedure in 36 (85.71%) cases.

Conclusions: The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain in patients in the age group of 31-35 years. Most patient presented with ruptured ectopics.