Objective: To review the incidence, indications, risk factors, and complications associated with emergency peripartum hysterectomy.
Study design: We analyzed retrospectively 38 cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomy operations performed between January 1996 and June 2001 at Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Research and Education Hospital. The indications, risk factors and the associated complications were noted. Standard tests were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Thirty-eight cases of postpartum hysterectomy were performed. All of these cases were referred to our center from rural areas. The rate of peripartum hysterectomy was 1/3736 deliveries. The main indications for hysterectomy were placenta accreata, uterine rupture and uterine atony. There were four maternal deaths.
Conclusion: Peripartum hysterectomy is a necessary life saving operation. Timely operation minimizes the morbidity and mortality.