Peripartum hysterectomy – a retrospective study

Objectives: Peripartum hysterectomy is a treatment applied in heavy post delivery bleedings. Main reasons for this treatment are atonia of uterus and pathological implantation of placenta. Planned hysterectomy before cesarean section is performed as a part of surgical treatment of cervical cancer for pregnant women.
Design: The aim of the study is to present own experiencies with peripartum hysterectomy.
Materials and methods: Medical data of patients who underwent peripartum hysterectomy in 1997-2005 was analised in the retrospective study. Particular attention was paid to: the way pregnancy terminated, indication to hysterectomy and perioperative complications.
Results: In the period mention above at the Gynecological and Obstetric Ward in District Hospital No 2 in Rzeszów there were 21589 deliveries. 32 peripartum hysterectomies were performed in this group. The main indication was atonia of uterus (37.5%). Peripartum hysterectomy was rarely performed because of pelvic inflammatory disease, patho- logical implantation of placenta and caogulopathies. Percentage of complications was 31.25%.
Conclusions: Peripartum hystere- ctomy in heavy bleeding after deliveries is an emergency preocedure. It should be applied immidietaly when pharmaco- logical and conservative treatment do not bring required effect.