Emergency obstetric hysterectomy: An experience of 5 years

Objective: To analyse and assess the incidence of Obstetric Hysterectomy (OH), its indications, risk factors and the complications associated.
Method: All cases of OH that were performed in our hospital from June 2010 to May 2015 were reviewed and evaluated in terms of the incidence, indications,and the associated complications.
Results: During the study period there were 24 emergency obstetric hysterectomies (EOH) and 13,259 deliveries giving an incidence of 0.18%. Majority of the patients were unbooked (79.16%). The Incidence of hysterectomy following vaginal delivery was 0.04%, and that following cesarean section was 0.29%. Most of the patients were in the age group of 20-25 yrs (66.6%). Majority of the cases were multipara (62.5%). Atonic post partum haemorrhage was the commonest indication contributing to 45.83%. There were 3 maternal deaths in our study (12.5%).
Conclusion: Emergency OH is a rare but life saving surgery. One has to prevent unnecessary delay or hasty decisions to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality. Timely obstetric judgement in trying circumstances can bring on good maternal outcome.