TITLE:
Induced Clandestine Abortions: Epidemiological, Clinical, Therapeutic Aspects and Prognosis in Northern Togo, from 2019 to 2025
AUTHORS:
Yendoubé Kambote, Kossi Edem Logbo-Akey, Dédé Régine Diane Ajavon, Paki Tongou, Sollim Myriam Talboussouma, Sougleman Lare, Tibé Bantigre, Ligbièbe Lalle, Kofi Akoh, Aminata Bathily, Toukilan Djiwa, Baguilane Douaguibe, Abdoul-Samadou Aboubakari
KEYWORDS:
Clandestine Induced Abortions, Epidemiology, Clinical, Prognosis, Kara University Hospital
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
31,
2025
ABSTRACT: Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic aspects and prognosis of clandestine induced abortions in northern Togo, from 2019 to 2025. Methodology: Retrospective descriptive study conducted from January 1, 2019 to August 31, 2025, including all cases of clandestine induced abortions managed at the Kara University Hospital. Results: The average age of the patients was 20 years, with ages ranging from 13 to 40 years. The majority were 20 years old (15.3%). Most were first-time mothers (68.1%). The patients were primarily schoolgirls (41.7%), homemakers (23.3%), and university students (11%). Those who were self-employed represented 23.3% of the patients. Those clandestine abortions occurred most frequently in October (12.8%), November (11%), and July (10.4%). Among the patients, 93.2% had no prior history of abortions. However, 5.2% had previously undergone an induced abortion. Clinically, the procedures were carried out either by the patients themselves (83.4%) or by third parties within a community (13.5%), often under unsanitary conditions. They sought medical attention within 72 hours of the procedure (60.7%). The methods used were traditional medications (75.5%), intrauterine maneuvers (12.9%), and misoprostol (11.6%). The reason for consultation was genital bleeding (62.6%), pelvic pain (27%), and fever (9.2%). The initial assessment upon admission noted hemorrhagic shock (44.2%), stable condition (31.3%), and septic shock (24.5%). The diagnoses made were incomplete abortion (76.7%), pelvic peritonitis (12.9%), and generalized acute peritonitis (10.4%). Treatment was medical (84.7%) and surgical (15.3%), with 24.8% requiring blood transfusion. Surgical treatment consisted of manual aspiration of the uterine contents (10.4%) and laparotomy (4.9%). Exploration revealed two cases of uterine perforation, two cases of uterine necrosis requiring hysterectomy, and one case of intestinal perforation. We recorded 15 maternal deaths (9.2%). Conclusion: This study shows the extent and impact of clandestine induced abortions among young people, requiring action at all levels of society to reduce this scourge.