Obstructed Labour – A Six Year Review in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of obstructed labour in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) was 0.8%. Obstructed labour is still a common feature of our obstetric practice. The highest frequency was found among unbooked primigravid teenagers, who lack Western education. The commonest cause was cephalopelvic disproportion (75.5%). Perinatal outcome was poor with perinatal mortality rate of 52.9%. Among the women 39.2% presented with intrauterine fetal death, and 70% of them were delivered by destructive operations. Regional anaesthesia was used in 58% of the cases of Lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), while it was used for all cases of destructive operation. The risk of complications did not show a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between those who had LSCS and destructive operation. Maternal mortality was 1.0%. Approach to the management of obstructed labour by either destructive operation or LSCS should be individualized, because either method has a favorable outcome in our centre.

Keywords: Obstructed Labour, Kano, feto-maternal outcome.

The Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 51 (4) 2007: pp. 59-63