Hysterectomies in Nigerians: histopathological analysis of cases seen in Ile-Ife

To review retrospectively hysterectomy specimens sent to the histopathological department of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria in order to document the histopathological findings and relate these with the age of patients. The records of patients with hysterectomy specimens sent to the histopathological laboratory within a period of 10 years were studied. Some of the histological slides were reviewed. The diagnosis of uterovaginal prolapse was based on clinical as well as pathological findings. Three hundred and thirty hysterectomy specimens seen over the study period of 10 years were studied. Women aged 40-49 years accounted for the highest number of cases, Hysterectomy was most often performed for leiomyoma (48%). followed by uterovaginal prolapse (17%). In women over the age of 70 years hysterectomy was most often performed for uterovaginal prolapse. Complication of pregnancy still accounted for a high percentage of hysterectomy (11%) Most were ante-partum and post partum haemorrhages as well as septic abortion in young women Ten of the specimens were normal both grossly and microscopically. Six of these were removed for suspected leiomyoma. The peak age incidence for women with leiomyoma who had hysterectomy corresponds with the overall peak age for women who had Hysterectomy. Leiomyoma was the commonest finding in hysterectomy specimens. However, clinicians should ensure that the condition is accurately diagnosed in all cases to avoid removal of a normal uterus.