Emergency obstetric hysterectomy

Abstract

Emergency obstetric hysterectomy was performed 14 times over a 10-year period in a district general hospital. The indications included rupture of the uterus, uncontrollable postpartum haemorrhage and massive bleeding at caesarean section. There were three maternal deaths. The complications in patients who survived included ureteric injuries, anaemia and pulmonary embolism. Avoidable factors are discussed as well as the difficulties encountered during the operation.