RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Ectopic pregnancy is a serious gynecological disease requiring early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this disease in a reference hospital in Madagascar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective and descriptive study included all women diagnosed with and treated for ectopic pregnancy at the University Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Befelatanana during the 6-month period from January 1 to June 30, 2011. RESULTS: We recorded 107 cases of ectopic pregnancy, accounting for 2.48% of all deliveries and 5.71% of surgical procedures. The age group most often concerned was that aged 31 to 35 years (28.97%). The main risk factors were a history of miscarriages (36.45%), spontaneous abortions (29.90%), sexually transmitted infections (21.50%), and smoking (16.82%). Amenorrhea was followed by pelvic pain and then bleeding in 78.50% of patients. Tubal rupture occurred in 71% of the cases. Ultrasonography contributed to the diagnosis in 93.5% of patients and a pregnancy test in 91.6% of cases. All cases were treated and resolved by surgery, with salpingectomy in 90.7%. Anemia was the main complication and blood transfusions were required for 27.1% of the women. CONCLUSION: The prevention of risk factors, the education of the population to consult early, and the use of laparoscopic surgery are useful for improving the treatment and prognosis of ectopic pregnancy.