Indications for abdominal hysterectomy at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

Abstract

Objective: Abdominal Hysterectomy is an everyday procedure in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Jos University Teaching Hospital. There is, however, dearth of data on the indications for and, pattern of morbidity and mortality of this procedure from this centre. This prompted the review. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of all Abdominal Hysterectomies done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, Plateau state, North Central Nigeria over a four year period (2002-2005). Results: Abdominal hysterectomy accounted for 10.8% of all major gynaecological operations during the study period. The age group of 40-44 years accounted for 50% of the patients that had total abdominal hysterectomy. Uterine fibroid was the commonest indication, which accounted for 89.5% of cases. The morbidity rate was 33% and there was no mortality. Conclusion: Hysterectomy for Uterine fibroids was the commonest indication for l Abdominal Hysterectomy. Though postoperative morbidity was high (33%), there was no mortality.

Key words: Abdominal Hysterectomy, Uterine Fibroids, morbidity, Jos  University Teaching Hospital.