A Ten-Year Experience of Caesarean Hysterectomy at a Tertiary Hospital in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Caesarean hysterectomy (CH), the surgical removal of the uterus, is performed at the time of delivery. It is usually thought of as life-saving and carried out as a last resort in uncontrollable life-threatening obstetric haemorrhage with a decisive impact on future fertility. This study aims to determine the incidence, indications, risk factors, and complications of caesarean hysterectomy in Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara.

Methods: The study was a ten-year retrospective review of cases of caesarean hysterectomy performed and managed between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2022, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. The completed data collection proforma were collated, coded and entered into the computer using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) computer software version 22.

Results: CH accounted for 1.36% of the major obstetric procedures. The majority of the patients who had CH were between 30 and 39 years (76.0%). The majority of them were also multipara (64.0%). Placenta previa (60.0%) was the most common indication for CH. Anaemia (68.0%) was the most common morbidity, followed by wound sepsis (20.0%).

Conclusion: Obstetric haemorrhage is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. CH is a life-saving procedure that can significantly reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality associated with Postpartum haemorrhage(PPH) if promptly applied.