Obstetric hysterectomy in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Thirty-two cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomy performed in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital were reviewed. The incidence was 1 in 575 births. Associated maternal mortality was 12.5%, morbidity was 62.5% and fetal loss was 78.1%. These rates are related to the indications which were spontaneous uterine rupture in 62.5% of the cases. The majority (68.7%) of the patients had poor antenatal care. Good antenatal care and delivery supervision would reduce the need for this operation.