An analysis of surgically managed cases of pelvic abscess complicating unsafe abortion.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to study the demographic variables, treatment options and mortality in cases of abortion related pelvic abscess. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients that had pelvic abscess as a complication of unsafe abortion. The retrieved case files were scrutinized for the necessary information. RESULT: The age ranged from thirteen years to forty six years, and teenagers accounted for 24.3% of the patients. About half of the patients, 51.4% were childless and parity ranged from zero to eight. The abortionists were mainly untrained personnel and the contraceptive prevalence rate was low, 5.4%. Most of the patient had conservative surgery and a significant number 94.6%, had blood transfusion. Maternal death of 18.9% was recorded with infection being the major cause. CONCLUSION: Unsafe abortion and its attendant complication is still a problem in Nigeria. High quality post abortion care will help a long way in saving many lives.