Non-invasive management of patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy: a survey among Dutch gynaecologists

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if implementation of a non-invasive diagnostic work up of patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy, involving transvaginal sonography and serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) measurement decreases the likelihood of performing diagnostic laparoscopies. STUDY DESIGN: We interviewed 27 Dutch gynaecologists using 16 structured case summaries in a fractional factorial design. Each case summary concerned a hypothetical patient with suspected ectopic pregnancy. For each case presentation, the gynaecologists were asked for their inclination to perform laparoscopy. RESULTS: There were substantial differences in the degree to which data from a non-invasive work-up influenced the decision to perform a laparoscopy. Some gynaecologists would perform laparoscopy in all 16 patients at the first visit, whereas others would initially admit none of them. CONCLUSION: Dutch gynaecologists seem to be familiar with a non-invasive diagnostic approach in women with suspected ectopic pregnancy. However, there are considerable differences in management approach probably due to individual variability in weighing the risks and benefits of expectant management