A five – year review of patients managed for ectopic pregnancies in the gynecological emergency unit of the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester, particularly in low-resource settings. Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, EP remains a critical challenge in Nigeria due to late presentation and suboptimal health-seeking behavior. This study aimed to review the prevalence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of ectopic pregnancies over a five-year period at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH), Jos, Nigeria.

A retrospective study was conducted involving 134 patients managed for ectopic pregnancies at BHUTH between June 2019 and May 2024. Data were obtained from medical records in the gynecological emergency unit, maternity theatre, and antenatal clinic. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze clinical presentations and outcomes. Among the 134 cases reviewed, the most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain (32.1%), followed by amenorrhea (22.4%) and vaginal bleeding (21.6%). Other presentations included ovarian accidents, pelvic abscesses, appendicitis, and asymptomatic cases (23.9%). The findings highlight a predominance of classical symptoms but also underscore the variability in clinical manifestations of EP. Ectopic pregnancy remains a significant burden at BHUTH, with abdominal pain, amenorrhea, and vaginal bleeding as common presentations. There is a need for heightened clinical suspicion, public education on early symptoms, and improved diagnostic strategies to enhance early detection and reduce morbidity and mortality.