Biomedical subjects

S A Uzoigwe

Publications and source records attributed to S A Uzoigwe.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Developments in caesarean section techniques: a review.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section is the most common surgical procedure performed on women world-wide. It is recommended when vaginal delivery might pose a risk to the mother or baby. This review examines the history and developments in caesarean section techniques over the years as well as the difficulties that may be encountered in each stage in our environment. METHOD: A review of relevant literature was conducted using Pubmed and e-medicine websites for computer search. The following keywords were used: history, development, techniques and caesarean section. Relevant review articles, Cochrane database and chapters in text books were also used to extract information. RESULTS: Though practiced since ancient times, the history of caesarean section remains shrouded in myths as no document describing its indication and techniques is still available. Ancient medical writers like Galen, Hippocrates and Soranus made no mention of the procedure. However, the evidence that it was performed arose from legal texts. The development in its technique was gradual over many years. CONCLUSION: The development of caesarean section technique occurred with the withdrawal of surgeries from the stronghold of religion in Renaissance time. Operative techniques vary and this has continued to improve through many years of trial and error.

Cesarean Section↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cancers of the uterine cervix in Port Harcourt, Rivers State--a 13-year clinico-pathological review.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is still the commonest gynaecological malignancy among women in the developing world. This study aims at assessing the prevalence of carcinoma of the cervix, the most common presenting complaints and histological types as seen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. METHODS: All the tissue slides of specimen (cervix and hysterectomy) diagnosed as cervical carcinoma over a period of 13 years were retrieved and re-evaluated for confirmation of diagnosis and tumour typing in the Anatomical Pathology Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Clinical data were obtained from histopathology registers, request forms as well as case notes of patients from the records department. RESULTS: There were 2,236 malignancies diagnosed; 302 (13.5%) were malignancies of the genital tract while 188 (8.4%) were carcinoma of the cervix constituting 62.3% of female genital malignancies. Cervical cancer was commonest between the ages of 50-69 years. There was no patient with carcinoma of the cervix below the age of 20 years. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (84.1%) in pre and post-menopausal periods was the commonest presenting complaint while squamous cell carcinoma (70.2%) and adenocarcinoma (14.9%) of the uterine cervix were the main histological types. CONCLUSION: Post menopausal women are mostly affected by cancers of the uterine cervix while abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common presenting complaint. Squamous cell and adenocarcinoma are the most frequent histological types.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Maternal mortality in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt in the last year before the new millennium.

BACKGROUND: Maternal death in developing countries is still high and the causes are multifactorial. The unbooked primigravidae with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia constitute a high risk group. METHODS: The data from case notes of all maternal deaths which occurred at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt between 1st of January and 31st of December 1999 formed the basis of this study. Case notes of all deaths were stored in the office of the head of department of obstetrics and gynaecology as soon as they occurred. Information was extracted from the case files at the end of the year. The total number of deliveries was obtained from the registers kept in labour and isolation wards respectively. RESULTS: There were 45 maternal deaths; 40 (88.9%) among the unbooked and 5 (11%) among the booked mothers constituting a maternal mortality ratio of 23, 121.4 and 339.7 per 100,000 deliveries respectively. The combined mortality ratio was 2735.6 per 100,000 deliveries. Fifteen (37.5%) unbooked primigravidae died of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. A total of 1645 mothers delivered, 1472 (89.5%) were booked while 173 (10.5%) were unbooked with the hospital. CONCLUSION: Severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, haemorrhage and sepsis were the major causes of death. The high maternal mortality was common among the unbooked primigravidae who usually present late with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. More research into the causes and management of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia are needed to reduce the high maternal mortality associated with it. Lack of antenatal care is also a high risk factor for maternal mortality.

Eclampsia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Unplanned vaginal birth after two previous caesarean sections.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section is carried out for the benefit of both mother and baby. Most obstetricians will permit vaginal birth after a previous caesarean. An unplanned vaginal birth after two previous caesareans section is reported. METHODS: A case report utilizing the case records and review of relevant literature. RESULT: A 32-year old housewife gravida3, para(2+0), both alive with two previous caesarean sections had a premature rupture of membranes and preterm labour. She had an unplanned successful vaginal birth. CONCLUSION: Vaginal delivery is possible after two previous caesarean sections if careful selection of patients is made.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Spontaneous midtrimester uterine rupture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous mid trimester rupture of the uterus is uncommon. AIM: To report a case of spontaneous mid trimester uterine rupture in a patient with a previous caesarean section scar. METHOD: A review of the case record of a patient managed for spontaneous mid-trimester uterine rupture and the relevant literature. RESULTS: A 30-year old unbooked gravida 6, para 1(+4) house wife with a previous caesarean section scar presented with features of an acute surgical abdomen with hypovolaemic shock at 24 weeks gestation. She had an emergency laparotomy at which she was noted to have a uterine rupture. She had a repair of the uterus and bilateral tubal ligation. Her post operative state was uneventful. CONCLUSION: There should be a high index of suspicion of uterine rupture in a gravid woman with a previous uterine scar presenting with abdominal pain and shock.

Adult↗