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Intrauterine adhesions in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, South‑South, Nigeria: A ten year review


N. Utuk
A.M. Abasiattai
O. Asuquo

Abstract

Background: Asherman’s syndrome is a clinical entity that can cause menstrual abnormalities and infertility.

Objectives: This study was done to determine the risk factors, and management outcome of intrauterine adhesions in our hospital.

Subjects and Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of the patients who were treated for intrauterine adhesions at the University of Uyo   Teaching Hospital over a 10 years period‑from January 1st 2006 to   December 2016.

Results: During the study period, a total of 1977 gynecological surgeries were performed of which 83 were for intrauterine adhesions, giving a rate of 4.2%. However, only 52 folders were retrieved, giving a retrieval rate of 62.5%. Analyses, using ratios and percentages, was based on these. Most patients belonged to the 30‑34 age group (28.9%) followed by the 20‑24 age group (25.0%). The majority of the patients were nulliparous (58.9%), married (65.4%) and had a tertiary education (50.0%). Dilatation and curettage for induced abortion (42.3%), open myomectomy (26.9%), and caesarean section (19.2%) were the common risk factors. Amenorrhoea (65.4%), and hypomenorrhoea (30.8%) were the commonest modes of presentation. All the patients were managed by blind adhesiolysis, done overwhelmingly by the resident doctors, under anaesthesia with a significant percentage (65.3%) showing that there is no change in menstrual condition.

Conclusion: Ashermans syndrome is a relatively common condition, and it is necessary to train doctors in the use of, and acquire, a hysteroscope, for the proper management of this condition. Meanwhile, more senior  personnel should be involved in the blind adhesiolysis, and Foley catheter that appears superior as a uterine splint to the intrauterine contraceptive device.

Key words: Adhesiolysis, intrauterine adhesions; Uyo.


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