Résumé
Chorionic villus sampling [CVS] is a minor surgical procedure performed with the purpose of prenatal diagnosis of congenital foetal anomalies. There are concerns regarding the safety and success of the procedure because of the possible complications associated with it. Since its introduction in Nigeria, the first in sub-Saharan Africa, several cases has been performed but no review of the complications has been undertaken. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the early complications of chorionic villus sampling as a basis for an improved performance of the procedure. The clinical records of all the CVS performed during a two year period [1[st] January, 2002-31[st] December,2003] were analyzed retrospectively. The biodata as well as the various clinical characteristics of the patients and the complications associated with the procedure were reviewed. The frequency and distribution of these complications by the route of sampling and location of the placenta were also analyzed. One hundred and forty women were counseled, out of which 130 [92.9%] underwent the procedure. Four [3.1%] each, could not be done due to operational difficulty or failure of the patients to turn up for the procedure. Transabdominal route [50.8%] with placenta located in the uterine body anteriorly [53.1%] was the commonest finding. Complications were recorded in 47 cases [36.2] of these complications the most frequent was bleeding [65.9%] and was associated mostly with placenta located in the uterus body posteriorly and a transcervical route of sampling. Abortion, the 2[nd] commonest complication [29.8%] occurred slightly more in the transcervical than the transabdominal route. Iatrogenic rupture of membrane and abdominal pains or discomfort was associated with only 1 [2.1%] case each. Nine cases [6.9%] were deferred on account of thin placenta at gestational age of below II weeks. The number of attempts has no reciprocal relationship with the frequency of complications. The study concluded that CVS is associated with least complications when the route of sampling is transabdominal and the gestational age is above II weeks. Biopsy attempts of 2-3 times is associated with a satisfactory yield of chorionic villi. The need for an improved expertise is also highlighted