Audit of all cases of total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) at a private hospital in Enugu, Nigeria: Indications and post-operative outcomes

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy is a major and one of the commonest gynaecological procedures performed by gynaecologists, world over. It is the surgical removal of the uterus either through the vagina or an abdominal incision. Being such a major procedure in gynaecological practice with consequences on reproduction and sexual performance, we undertook this audit in the private hospital to review its prevalence, indication and outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the indications and outcomes of all cases of TAH in a private hospital Methodology: This was a 3-year retrospective study in a private hospital in Enugu, south-east, Nigeria. Result: From the theatre register and case files of patients, it was found that a total of 58 patients had major gynaecological surgeries in the centre. Out of this total, 20 were TAH giving a prevalence of 34.5% of major gynaecological surgeries. The socio-demographic distribution of the patients shows that 12(60%) were aged between 46 and 55, 10(50%) were civil servants and 10(50%) had tertiary education. Majority of them 8(40%) were para 4, followed by para3 (20%). The major indications were symptomatic uterine fibroid, 9(45%) and abnormal uterine bleeding 8(40%). Conclusion: Total abdominal hysterectomy was a common gynaecological procedure and the major indications were symptomatic uterine fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding. Majority of the cases were done with spinal anaesthesia and the only identifiable post-operative morbidity was anaemia.