[Minilaparotomy with a mini-pfannenstiel incision for the early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in Africa].

Objective: to evaluate the usefulness of an exploratory minilaparotomy under local anaesthesia in cases of suspected ectopic pregnancy.

Patients And Methods: Prospective study of the management of all cases of unruptured suspected ectopic pregnancy at the Gynaecological and Obstetrical Clinic at the Dakar University teaching hospital from 1 January, 2000, to 31 December, 2002.

Results: 44 unruptured ectopic pregnancies were recorded.