EP20.14: Analysis of blood transfusion need and its determinants in women who had abdominal myomectomy at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital

To determine the proportion of patients who required blood transfusion and to document the determinants of blood transfusion in patients undergoing myomectomy at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of all women who had abdominal myomectomy at UBTH from July 1st 2019 to 30th June 2022. Total abdominal myomectomy during the period was 357; 289 records were adequate for analysis giving a retrieval rate of 81%. For the study, the hospital records of all patients who had myomectomy during the period under review were retrieved from the record unit, the gynecological ward, the gynecological theatre and the gynecological outpatient unit. The information retrieved included patient's sociodemographic characteristics, presenting symptom(s), uterine size, phase of menstrual cycle, pre- and postoperative packed cell volume and the change, transfusion and timing, operative findings, cadre of the surgeon, postoperative finding and length of hospitalisation. The data derived from the patient records were subjected to analysis using SPSS version 25.0. The results were presented as simple proportions and percentages in tables and charts. Associations between variables were shown in cross tabulations and P values < 0.05 was considered as significant. Blood transfusion rate following myomectomy was noted to be 35.6% of all the 289 patients analysed. The significant determinants for blood transfusion included high fibroid burden (P-value 0.001), preoperative anemia (P-value 0.000), general anesthesia (P-value 0.001), prolonged surgery (P-value 0.000), hemostatic technique other than tourniquet (P-value 0.019). Intraoperative hemorrhage necessitating blood transfusion is a complication following myomectomy. This underscores the need for adequate preparation and early anticipation of bleeding to improve outcome.