Obstetric Outcome in Patients with Previous Abdominal Myomectomy at a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Background: Abdominal myomectomy refers to the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus through an abdominal incision. It is one of the treatment options for uterine fibroids. Women who had this form of treatment may be faced with increased risks and complications during future pregnancies and deliveries.

Aim: To assess the obstetric risk and delivery outcome of pregnancies achieved after abdominal myomectomy.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study of pregnancy outcome in women who had abdominal myomectomy at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) from 2018 to 2022. The case records of the patients were retrieved, and data on socio-demographic characteristics, mode of delivery, obstetric complications, and foetal outcome was extracted and analysed using SPSS version 25.

Results: There were 7,602 antenatal clinic attendees during the study period, out of which 83 of the women had previous myomectomy and were delivered in UPTH. This accounted for 1.1% of booked patients who attended antenatal care and delivered at the hospital. Seventy-two case notes were retrieved, giving a case retrieval rate of 86.7%. The mean age was 34.89 ± 4.27 years (range from 18 to 47 years). The total Live birth post myomectomy was 56 (77.8%). There were 14 (19.4%) miscarriages and 2 (2.8) stillbirths. Patients that conceived spontaneously were 61 (84.7%), while 11 (15.3%) had in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Caesarean section was used in 67 (93.1%) of deliveries with elective caesarean section accounting for 45 (62.5%) of the deliveries. The commonest indication for caesarean section was previous myomectomy with breached endometrium in 53 (79.1%) cases. Forty-one (56.9%) of the deliveries occurred at 38-40 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion: Obstetric outcome after abdominal myomectomies was good with high live birth rate and no maternal mortality recorded. Women who had abdominal myomectomy should be counselled to attend antenatal care and deliver in adequately equipped centres with skilled personnel to avert adverse pregnancy outcomes.