title: Multiple visceral injuries suffered during an illegal induced abortion - a case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Abortion in Nigeria is permitted only to save a woman's life. Most abortions in that country take place under unsafe conditions and constitute a major source of maternal morbidity and mortality. We present a case of multiple visceral injuries complicating an induced abortion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 28-year-old multiparous woman at 12 weeks' gestation had an induced abortion by dilatation and curettage in a private clinic. The procedure was complicated by uterine perforation and bowel injury, with protrusion of gangrenous loops of bowel from the vagina. At laparotomy the uterus was repaired, and a bowel resection with re-anastomosis was performed. The patient's recovery was uneventful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing the uptake of contraception, training healthcare providers in safe methods of induced abortion, and liberalising abortion laws can reduce abortion-related morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria. docakabago@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Godwin O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Akaba
authors.forename: Benard I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Adeka
authors.forename: Pius I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Ogolekwu
mesh_terms: D000024:Abortion, Illegal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D005734:Gangrene; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D014595:Uterine Perforation / Q000209:etiology*