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Abdominal Hysterectomy at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital: A 5-year Review


S Isiaka-Lawal
KT Adesina
R Saidu

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy is the commonest major gynaecological operation performed on women for treatment of a diverse disorder. The indications are mostly gynaecologic but may occasionally be obstetric.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of the procedure, the indications, the operative and histological findings and the pattern of morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who had abdominal hysterectomy at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. The case notes of patients who had the procedure over a 5-year period were retrieved from the hospital records department. Variables considered in the study were socio-demographic characteristics, pre-operative investigations done, operative findings, histological findings, associated complications and follow-up findings.
Results:A total of 2054 major gynaecological operations were performed from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2008 of which 255 were abdominal hysterectomies, giving an incidence of 12.4% of major gynaecological surgeries. The mean age at which the procedure was performed was 43.8 + 7.3 years. Menorrhagia was the commonest presenting symptom, occurring in 62.9% of patients while uterine fibroid was the commonest indication for surgery. The commonest complication was superficial wound infection and less than half (47.2%) of the patients reported for follow-up.
Conclusion: Abdominal hysterectomy is a safe operative procedure and i/t is a viable treatment option to a variety of gynaecological disorders. Adequate preoperative assessment, intraoperative and post operative measures to reduce infection can improve outcome of the procedure.

Key words:Abdominal hysterectomy, findings, follow-up.

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