Background: Hysterectomy is one of the commonest major gynaecological surgeries performed for both benign and malignant conditions. Hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions is usually done to improve the quality of life of women who suffer from these disorders. Aim of current study was to analyze hysterectomies performed in the centre for benign gynaecological conditions during the period of the study. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of all cases of hysterectomy (for benign gynaecological disorders over a 6 year period (January 1, 2006-December 31, 2011) at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, indication for surgery, type of hysterectomy, operative findings, and postoperative complications during admission were retrieved and analyzed. Results: Hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions accounted for 14.1% of all major gynecological surgeries. The leading indications for hysterectomy were uterovaginal prolapse (47.3%), uterine fibroid (33.6%), and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) (9.1%). Abdominal hysterectomy accounted for 55.0% while vaginal hysterectomy accounted for 45.0% of hysterectomies performed for benign gynecological conditions. A postoperative morbidity rate of 23.7% was found. Post-operative fever, requiring investigation and treatment, was the leading complication. No mortality associated with hysterectomy was recorded. Conclusions: Hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions is relatively common and safe in our centre, but there is need for improvement on the high post-operative morbidity rate.

Objective: uvula. It is usually performed by non-medical personnel using mostly unsterile instruments. Notwithstanding the increasing number of health facilities, it is surprising that this aged-long crude practice with significant complications is still rampant in the 21st century. Material and Methods: This is a case series of four males with the age range of 5-months to four years who had traditional uvulectomy following febrile illnesses but with no improvement of symptoms. Thereafter, all presented late to our facility with diverse complications, including haemorrhage, infections, and convulsions. Three recovered fully following prompt treatment, however, one mortality was recorded. Conclusion: These cases highlight the life-threatening complications associated with traditional uvulectomy and the need for drastic measures to curtail the practice.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection constitutes a major medical complication of pregnancy and is associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. However, the relationship between maternal serum selenium levels and pregnancy outcomes has been inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal serum selenium status and pregnancy outcome in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in a tertiary health facility. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out among HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women at a tertiary health-care facility in Owerri. Participants were recruited from the labor ward and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. One hundred and ten HIV-positive pregnant women were compared with an equal number of HIV-negative pregnant women. They were matched for age, parity and gestational age. Selenium level was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Maternal packed cell volume (PCV) was also assessed at recruitment. At delivery, the birth weight was measured using a standard weighing scale and documented. Cases of preterm births, perinatal deaths, major congenital abnormalities, and neonatal admission were noted and also documented. Statistical analysis was performed using means and standard deviation. Chi-square test, Student's t-test, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation were also employed. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. Results: HIV-positive pregnant women had significantly lower mean serum selenium concentration compared with HIV-negative pregnant women (64.3 ± 19.6 μg/L vs. 100.1 ± 30.9 μg/L; P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant association between serum selenium concentration and birth weight among both HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women ( P < 0.001). Similarly, a statistically significant association was seen between serum selenium and maternal PCV in HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women ( P = 0.024 and P < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no association found between serum selenium and other pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: HIV-positive pregnant women had a lower mean serum selenium level compared to HIV-negative pregnant women. There was a significant association between low maternal serum selenium level and maternal anemia, as well as low birth weight, especially in HIV-positive pregnant women.

Objectives: This study evaluates the association between genital Chlamydial infection and tubal factor infertility in a tertiary health facility in South-East Nigeria.Design: This was a case-control analytical study.Setting: Gynaecology Clinic and Maternity Unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.Participants: Ninety-six (96) women with confirmed tubal factor infertility served as the cases, and 96 women with normal intra-uterine pregnancy matched in age served as the control.Data Collection/Intervention: A structured questionnaire was used to extract information on the sociodemographic data and the sexual history of the participants. About 2mls of blood was collected, the blood was allowed to clot, and the sera were used for the test.Statistical analysis/Main outcome measure: Pearson Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, likelihood ratio and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine risk associations and identify factors independently related to tubal factor infertility. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The sociodemographic characteristics of both cases and control did not differ (P = 0.975). The Chlamydial antibody seropositivity was significantly higher in the cases than the control 78(81.2%) versus 13(13.5%) respectively {(P < 0.001; OR (95% CI) = 27.7(12.7-60.2)}. Only lower abdominal pain {(P = 0.011); OR (95% CI) = 4.3(1.4-13.3)}; was independently associated with tubal factor infertility.Conclusion: Tubal factor infertility is strongly associated with chlamydial IgG antibodies, and a history of lower abdominal pain significantly predicted tubal factor infertility.