Trends of myomectomy at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu Nigeria.

Background: Uterine fibroid is the commonest female genital tumour occurring within the reproductive age group, and abdominal myomectomy is the most offered surgical treatment in our environment. There is need to audit this practice in our centre so as to observe the practice pattern and outcome of myomectomies in Enugu, Nigeria.

Objective: To audit myomectomies, the practice pattern and outcome at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu-Nigeria.

Methods: A 5-year retrospective study of myomectomies performed in UNTH Enugu between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008. Data relating to socio-demographic characteristics, indication for surgery, intraoperative haemostatic measures, estimated blood loss, use of drain, duration of hospital stay and complications were abstracted and analyzed.

Result: A total of 122 abdominal myomectomies were performed and 70.5% of the patients were aged 30-39 years and 80% were nullipara. Lower abdominal swelling and discomfort were the commonest presentation and indication for the surgery. Tourniquet was used for haemostasis in 57.4% while postoperative drain was inserted in 52.6%. 24.6% received blood transfusion and the average duration of hospital stay was 8.6 days. Complications were mild, with pyrexia as the commonest complication (28.7%). There was no mortality.

Conclusion: Though myomectomy is safe and tolerated in our centre, a consensus practice pattern through a prospective study is required to further improve outcome.