Ectopic Pregnancy: Incidence, Risk Factors and Management at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom

Ectopic pregnancy is a gynaecological emergency that carries significant maternal mortality risk if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Nigeria's tertiary hospitals continue to manage substantial caseloads of ruptured ectopic pregnancies, reflecting delayed diagnosis at community and primary care levels. This study describes the incidence, risk factors, and management outcomes of ectopic pregnancy at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. A five-year retrospective review of all ectopic pregnancy cases from 2018 to 2022 was conducted using gynaecological ward and theatre records. Data were extracted on patient demographics, risk factors, haemodynamic status at presentation, management approach, and outcomes. Ectopic pregnancy constituted 1.8 percent of all gynaecological admissions. Prior pelvic inflammatory disease (46 percent), previous ectopic pregnancy (22 percent), and use of intrauterine contraceptive device (16 percent) were the most prevalent risk factors. Ruptured ectopic with haemoperitoneum was the predominant presentation (74 percent). Salpingectomy was the definitive surgical procedure in 86 percent of cases. Two maternal deaths were recorded. The study highlights the continued dominance of ruptured presentations at UUTH, reflecting late recognition. Recommendations include community education on ectopic pregnancy warning signs, low-threshold referral protocols for primary care, and routine beta-hCG testing for all women of reproductive age presenting with lower abdominal pain. Keywords: ectopic pregnancy, risk factors, salpingectomy, UUTH Akwa Ibom, gynaecological emergency