Obstetric hysterectomy: a life saving emergency.

OBJECTIVE To study the cases of obstetric hysterectomy performed over a period of 1 year (January 2008 to December 2008) in tertiary care center to estimate the incidence, indications, and maternal outcome following the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of 20 cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomies performed during the study period. RESULTS During the study period, there were 11,356 deliveries and 20 emergency hysterectomies were done, giving an incidence of 0.17%. 75% cases were unbooked. Ruptured uterus was the most common indication for the procedure, followed by atonic Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). Six out of 10 cases of rupture uterus had a previous cesarean delivery. Maternal mortality was 15% due to late referral. CONCLUSION Emergency obstetric hysterectomy though a rare operation, still remains a life-saving procedure with which every obstetrician must be conversant. Regular antenatal care, identification of high-risk cases, and prompt referral can reduce the incidence of this operation.