Hysterectomy in obstetric practice

A 9-year review (1971-1979) is presented of patients undergoing hysterectomy in the course of pregnancy. The incidence was 1 in 1,044 pregnancies (34 in 35,506). The principal indications were ruptured uterus (9), postpartum haemorrhage (8), placenta accreta (5) and neoplastic trophoblastic disease (4). In spite of the high incidence of hysterectomy in our community, the procedure was undertaken during pregnancy with great reluctance and usually only as a life-saving procedure.