A clinical audit of the patterns of presentations and complications of abdominal myomectomy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Abdominal myomectomy is a common modality of treatment for large and symptomatic uterine fibroids in women who wish to retain their fertility. Black women have higher rates and larger sizes of uterine fibroids. We aimed to determine the presentation patterns, peri-operative complications, and determinants of complications in patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy. This was a retrospective review of women who had abdominal myomectomy between July 2016 and June 2019. There were intra-operative complications and post-operative complications in 25% and 29.3% of patients respectively. There were higher odds for developing intra-operative complications among those who had general anaesthesia [OR = 3.514, 95%CI (1.951–6.331)], more than 10 fibroid nodules enucleated [OR = 4.917, 95%CI (2.600–9.298)], pre-operative Packed cell volume (PCV) < 30% [OR = 4.831, 95%CI (2.370–9.880)], presence of adhesions [OR = 2.680, 95%CI (1.510–4.730)], fibroids larger than 10 centimetres [OR = 1.98, 95%CI (1.13–3.49)], previous pelvic surgery [OR = 2.68, 95%CI (1.52–4.63)]. Post-operative complications were higher in those who had general anaesthesia or pre-existing medical conditions. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Abdominal myomectomy is a major surgical procedure globally with a significant morbidity rate. Sufficient evidence relating to the determinants of peri-operative complications are lacking. What do the results of this study add? Our results highlight the factors associated with increased odds of developing complications following abdominal myomectomy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study complements existing data on the peri-operative complications following abdominal myomectomy. It also reflects the possibility of mortality albeit a rarerity. A retrospective multivariate analysis like this, while classifying morbidities into intra-operative and post-operative complications, is required to start an audit cycle. Knowing these determinants will help improve patient optimisation for surgery, identify high risk women and enhance more directed counselling. The results from this pilot study will also be used to design a prospective study to be undertaken by the authors.