The place of autotransfusion in management of ectopic pregnancy—10 years experience

Between the period January 1989 to December 1998, a total of 119 cases of ectopic gestations and 11 389 deliveries were managed. The incidence of ectopic gestation was 1·04%, or one in 96 deliveries. Tubal gestation constituted 97·47% ( n = 116), while abdominal and ovarian gestation were 1·68% ( n = 2) and 0·84% ( n = 1) respectively. The age range was 16-42 years, with mean age of 27 years. The modal age group was 26-30 years; 10·18% ( n = 12) were associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom in 96% ( n = 98) while abdominal and cervical excitation tenderness occurred in 97·10% and 72·6%, respectively. Autotransfusion was used in correction of anaemia in 62·75% ( n = 64) while 37·25% ( n = 38) received both autotransfusion and donated homologous blood. Maternal death rate was 0·84% ( n = 1).