A Five-year review of uterine fibroids at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that arise from myometrial smooth muscle cells. They are the most common tumours found in humans and are particularly common in Negros. We determined the prevalence modes of presentation and treatment modalities of uterine fibroid at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; Uyo; Nigeria. Methods: The case notes of all patients with uterine fibroids over a 4-year period were studied. Results: Uterine fibroids accounted for 7.1of gynaecological admissions and 21.2of major gynaecological surgeries. The patients' age ranged from 21 to 55 years with modal age group being 31-40 years (38.8). Majority of the patients were of low parity (75.4). The most common presenting complaints were abdominal swelling (25.5) and infertility (21.4). Myomectomy was the most common surgical procedure performed (77.6) and the most common post operative omplications were anaemia (21.4) and pyrexia (18.4). Conclusion: Uterine fibroids are common in our environment. The patients are predominantly of low parity and myomectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed