Hysteroscopy is a valuable tool in the evaluation and treatment of infertility and many other gynecological procedures. Its use has relegated blind procedures for the investigation and treatment of endometrial pathologies and in some instances obviates the need for open surgeries. Unfortunately the equipment is only available in a few private hospitals in Nigeria.

To describe our experience with hysteroscopy in a private hospital setting in Nigeria.

Retrospective reviews of all cases of hysteroscopy done between January 2003 and December 2005 at Nisa Premier Hospital (Nordica Fertility Centre), a dedicated fertility center in Abuja, Nigeria was carried out. Relevant information was extracted from the patients’ case notes and theater records. The hysteroscopic procedures were carried out during the proliferative phase of the patients’ menstrual cycle. All but nine patients had paracervical block with xylocaine in addition to intravenous pentazocine and promethazine for pain relieve. Normal saline was used as distention medium.

A total of 87 hysteroscopies were carried out during the period under review. Eighty-five patients (97.7%) presented with infertility. Forty four patients (48.3%) had single pathology while 23 (26.4%) had multiple pathologies. The commonest pathology was intrauterine adhesions (64.2%). There were 3 cases (3.5%) of retained fetal bones within the endometrial cavity. Sixty-four (73.6%) patients underwent hysteroscopic surgical procedures. The commonest surgical procedure performed was intrauterine adhesiolysis (67.2%), followed by polypectomy (35.9%). One complication occurred during the study period (anesthetic).

Hysteroscopy is a valuable tool in the assessment of the uterine cavity. The equipments and skills are however presently lacking in Nigeria.