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Introduction: There is a relatively large variation in the treatment of ectopic pregnancies in Denmark. The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons for these differences. Materials and methods: Questionnaires including a description of a typical case of ectopic pregnancy were sent to every department of obstetrics and gynaecology in Denmark. Each department was asked to describe the treatment of this case and the reasons for its choice. Results: The questionnaire was returned by 32 departments, 28 of which had treated ectopic pregnancies. All departments indicated laparoscopy as the treatment of choice in the case described; 72% recommended tubotomy and 28% salpingectomy. Maintenance of fertility in the future and reduction of the risk of recurrent ectopic pregnancies were indicated as the reasons for the choice. Medical treatment with methotrexate was seldom recommended, mainly due to lack of experience with this treatment and the prevailing impression that women are unwilling to take methotrexate. Discussion: Since all departments were given the same case to evaluate, the differences in choice of treatment reflect differences in opinion rather than differences in the individual departments' patient pools. It is concluded that differences in clinical practice primarily reflect differences in opinion rather than differences in the patient pool.

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