Abdominal Hysterectomy at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin- A 5-year review. Nigerian Hospital Practice 1(2):45-49. Published by Continuing Medical Education Ventures. Available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/nhp/issue/archive

Abstract

Hysterectomy remains a major gynaecological operation for both benign and malignant conditions in this environment. To evaluate the incidence, indications for Abdominal Hysterectomy and associated morbidity and mortality. This is a retrospective analysis of all Abdominal Hysterectomies performed at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a five year period from January1996 to Dec., 2000. A total of 1181 gynaecological operations were performed, of which 164 was abdominal hysterectomies, giving an incidence rate of 13.8% of major gynaecological surgeries. Majority of the women were in their 4th and 5th decades of life accounting for 47.2% and 21.5% respectively. Grandmultiparous women accounted for 39.6% of the cases and Nulliparous women constituted 5.2% of the cases. the commonest indication for abdominal hysterectomy was uterine fibroid in 72.7% of the cases. Obstetric indications accounted for 8.0% of cases. the commonest complication was post-operative pyrexia and occurred in 33.1% of patients. A mortality rate of 1.8% was recorded in the study. Abdominal hysterectomy is a safe operation that can be formed by a skillful gynaecologist of today. Adequate pre-operative preparation, use of autologous blood transfusion, where possible and good obstetric services will help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the operation.