Preventing maternal deaths due to ectopic pregnancy
The majority of maternal deaths due to ectopic pregnancy (EP) could be avoided if the health service renders better-quality care. There are two common clinical mistakes that lead to death from EP: (i) failure to make the diagnosis, because the attending healthcare worker does not consider this option; and (ii) failure to act urgently to stop the bleeding when there are signs of hypovolaemic shock. The only reliable way to stop the bleeding in a shocked patient with a ruptured EP is to urgently perform a laparotomy and clamp the bleeding vessels. Doctors at district hospitals must learn and maintain the skills required to provide anaesthesia for and operate on patients with a ruptured EP.
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
South African Medical Association
2018
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| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0256-95742018001300008 |
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