ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroid is a benign tumour arising from smooth muscle layer of the uterus. They are the most common benign tumour in females and are typically found during the middle and later reproductive years. While most fibroids are asymptomatic they can grow and cause menorrhagia, abortions and lower abdominal pain. In Africa it is the most common indication of hysterectomy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of fibroids among women admitted in K.I.U.T.H obstetrics and gynaecology ward. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted by using records of January 2012-January 2013 of female patients admitted in the maternity ward of in KIUTH. A total of 1327 female patient files were reviewed in this study. The collected data was written manually and analyzed using Microsoft Excel computer program. The result of the study was presented by tables, pie chart and percentage. RESULTS: Of the 1327 female patients were admitted in the maternity ward from January 2012-January 2013 only 23 had been diagnosed with fibroids that is only 1.73% of patients. study, it was seen that women aged (40-49 years) by 57% had the highest prevalence of fibroids. The women who were primegravida had the highest prevalence of fibroids 40%. The most common clinical presentation was lower abdominal pain with 35% , the least common clinical presentation was abdominal swelling with 6%. The most common treatment given to patients with fibroids was blood transfusion 30% followed by total abdominal hysterectomy 23%.The least common was myomectomy 5% CONCLUSION: Uterine fibroid is common in our environment and usually presents with menorrhagia, pelvic pain, recurrent miscarriage and infertility. They are commonly managed by total abdominal hysterectomy, myomectomy and hematinics here in K.I.U.T.H.
