[Extra-uterine pregnancy. Study of 509 cases surgically treated at the University Hospital Center of Libreville].

Extra-uterine pregnancy is the principal emergency procedure undertaken in the University Department of Libreville. We study 509 cases treated surgically between 1984 and 1987, which is a level of 16/1,000 deliveries. The incidence of rupture of the tube has driven us to search for the best possible means to diagnose the condition earlier. Ultrasound gives the best results, dropping the level of ruptured tubes from 83% in 1984 to 50% in 1987. Extra-uterine pregnancy in nulliparous patients (25% of the group) presented a third of recurrent ectopics. The anatomopathological examination of the tissues emphasizes how common acute or chronic infections of the tubes are (25%) and salpingitis isthmica nodosa (31% of cases). If sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented the incidence of ectopic pregnancies will drop. We have tried since 1986 to be conservative in our surgery hoping that a secondary plastic operation will improve the fertility of these young patients. Mortality was high (13.75/1,000 ectopics). The principal factor responsible for this high figure is the absence of blood transfusion banks which delayed resuscitation and exposed the patients to the risk of coagulation defects when surgery is practised on these patients who are still shocked.