Peripartum hysterectomy: A 9-year population-based study in Slovakia

To assess the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy (PH) in Slovakia. Additionally, we wanted to describe reasons for the procedure, associated clinical circumstances, and complications.

This was a descriptive, population-based study among women who underwent PH in Slovakia between January 2012 and December 2020. Peripartum hysterectomy was defined as surgical removal of the uterus from the peripartum period up to 42 days postpartum. Data were obtained retrospectively from the standardized questionnaires that are completed in Slovakia for any case of PH. The background population consisted of all other women who delivered during the study period.

Of the 436 136 births, there were 397 cases of PH, giving an incidence of 0.91 per 1000 births. It was higher with advanced maternal age, multiparity, multiple pregnancies, and cesarean deliveries. The main reasons for the procedure were placental pathologies and uterine atony in 52.9% and 33.0%, respectively. A total of 150 (37.8%) women required admission to an intensive care unit. The mortality rate was 1.5%.

The incidence of PH is relatively high in Slovakia when compared with other European countries, highlighting the need to improve prenatal diagnosis of morbidly adherent placenta and the management of peripartum hemorrhage.