A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing the Use of Trans- Abdominal Verses Trans-Vaginal Ultra-Sonography in the Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy

Background: Ectopic pregnancy, also called as tubal pregnancy, is one of the complications of pregnancy in which the extra-uterine implantation of embryo occurs. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is based mainly on ultrasonography (USG). The aim of the study is to decide which approach (trans vaginal or trans abdominal) is better to diagnose the ectopic pregnancy. Methods: The study was conducted on hundred patients in Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad. The duration of study was two years. The transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasonographic findings were compared with the histopathology, which is considered as the gold standard. The data will be compared on the basis of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Results: Mean age of the patient was found to be 33.33±10.4. The maximum number of patients having increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy are those having parity of 1-3. The most common risk factor of the ectopic pregnancy is irregular bleeding (74%), followed by lower abdominal pain (52%). The most common finding, which helps in making the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, is presence of extra-uterine gestational sac (96%). The trans vaginal route diagnosed 84 cases correctly whereas trans abdominal method diagnosed 80 cases. The false negative results were more in trans abdominal (14) as compared to trans vaginal (10). Conclusion: The diagnosis of the ectopic pregnancy can be made with TVS alone but TAS should always be ued in conjunction with TVS.