Transfusion rate associated with hysterectomy for benign disease

The transfusion rate associated with hysterectomy for benign disease is an indirect indicator of haemorrhage. It is used in quality assurance activities and is one measure of standard of care. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the transfusion rate for these operations in a tertiary referral hospital. In addition, it was considered that the information could be used in deciding the need for a routine preoperative group and save policy (G and S). The Blood Bank records of all women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease from 1993-1998 were examined and the number of women transfused was recorded. A total of 1220 hysterectomies were performed. Of women having vaginal hysterectomies only 0.38% required transfusion compared with 2.18% for abdominal hysterectomies. These data suggest that there is no need for a strict policy of preoperative G and S for all patients. In addition, this information can be used as a benchmark when reviewing morbidity associated with hysterectomy and in particular when various methods of hysterectomy are compared.