Publication:

A retrospective analysis of obstetric hysterectomy in a tertiary center over one year

Background Obstetric hysterectomy is a lifesaving procedure in a setting of life-threatening obstetrical hemorrhage. There is and increasing need of obstetric hysterectomy due to rising cases of caesarean sections and morbidly adherent placenta. We aimed to study the incidence, indications and fetomaternal outcome of obstetric hysterectomy. Various risk factors are discussed which may be helpful in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Methods A one year hospital based retrospective study involving detailed medical records of patients who underwent obstetric hysterectomy between 1st April 2022 and 31st march 2023.

Results The overall incidence of obstetric hysterectomy was 0.2% in this study with majority of patients in the 20-25-year age group, and patients who were 2nd and 3rd para comprised of the maximum number. The indication identified in this study were morbidly adherent placenta followed by atonic PPH and caesarean scar ectopic. The major risk factors noted were previous LSCS in 60% and morbidly adherent placenta in 53.3% patients. Of the 15 patients, 60% underwent total while 40% underwent subtotal hysterectomy. ICU admission, fever and coagulopathy were the leading post op complications. There was one case of maternal death noted and one case each of intrauterine death and perinatal mortality.

Conclusions Obstetric hysterectomy is the last resort to intractable bleeding and hence an important lifesaving procedure. The feto-maternal outcome depends on timely decision, surgical techniques and stringent post op monitoring of these patients.