title: Challenges in the surgical management of ectopic pregnancy in a low-resource setting: Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
abstract: Background Ectopic pregnancy contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resourced countries with limited facilities for early diagnosis and treatment. It is a very challenging condition to diagnose. Patients may collapse and die while undergoing investigation. Aims To assess surgical treatment given to patients presenting at Mpilo Central Hospital, the challenges that are faced and the outcomes; and also to document how women survive this dangerous condition in a setting challenged by low resources. Results All the patients had prompt life-saving surgery within 48 h of admission despite the challenges faced. The survival rate was 100% during the period of the study. Conclusion It is possible to prevent maternal mortality in low-resource countries by maintaining basic clinical and surgical skills.
authors.affiliation: 1 Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Head of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Clinical Director, Mpilo Central Hospital, Mzilikazi, Zimbabwe.|2 Part-Lecturer, National University of Science & Technology, Medical School, Mzilikazi, Zimbabwe.|3 Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Women's Clinic, Bulawayo, Matabeleland, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Solwayo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ngwenya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D061646:Operative Time; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Ectopic pregnancy; life-threatening/life-saving surgery; low resource settings; outcomes