Myomectomy in a Secondary Health Centre in Awka, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus preserves both menstrual and reproductive functions and is practiced worldwide.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical presentations, indications and morbidities associated with myomectomy in a secondary healthcare facility in Awka, Southeastern Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a review of 62 cases of myomectomy at Amaku General Hospital, Awka, Nigeria over a 6-year period, 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2009. The data was extracted from their case notes and theatre records and analyzed using basic descriptive statistics and presented in tables and simple percentages.

Results: There were 456 gynaecological admissions during the period under review and 62 had myomectomy accounting for 13.6% of all gynaecological admissions. The age range of the patient was 18-46years with a mean of 23.5±2.1years. Clinical uterine size at presentation ranged from 12weeks to 36weeks with a mean of 20.2±6.5 weeks. Lower abdominal discomfort 20(33.9%) was both the commonest presenting complaint and indication for myomectomy. Fifty-six (94.9%) patients had abdominal myomectomy, while 3(5.1%) had vaginal myomectomy. Post- operative pyrexia 15(25.4%) was the commonest post-operative. No death was recorded.

Conclusion: Myomectomy is a safe surgical operation. There is need to encourage early presentation in order to reduce the morbidity associated with the surgery.