Audit of gynaecological laparoscopies in National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.

CONTEXT: The scope oflaparoscopy is increasing in contemporary gynaecological practice. There is scanty data on gynaecological laparoscopy in Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate, indications, perioperative characteristics and complications of gynaecological laparoscopy at National Hospital, Abuja. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: A retrospective review of gynaecological laparoscopies performed at the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria over a four year period (2001-2004). RESULTS: There were 58 gynaecological laparoscopies during the study period, and a rate of 28.7 laparoscopies per 1000 gynaecological operations. The incidence is low due to occasional logistic problems with the equipment and multiple strike actions by health workers. The procedure was done wholly for diagnostic purposes, the major indication being infertility in 88.9% of the patients. Majority (54.9%) of the patients had the procedure performed during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, as opposed to the proliferative phase. The procedure was performed by consultants or senior residents in 50 (98%) of the patients. All the patients had general anaesthesia for the laparoscopies. There was no major complication or operative mortality in the patients whose case folders were analysed. CONCLUSION: The gynaecological laparoscopy rate is low, at 28.7 per 1000 gynaecological operations; it was done mainly for elective and diagnostic purposes, the major indication being infertility and it was generally safe with absence of major perioperative or postoperative complications.