[Cesarean hysterectomy im modern obstetrical practice from 1968 to 1993]

A retrospective study of cesarean hysterectomies at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Novi Sad was conducted for the period 1968-1993. There were 129,127 deliveries, whereas cesarean section was performed in 10,485 (8.12%) cases. There were 55 cesarean hysterectomies (0.042%), while in 0.52% they were performed during cesarean section. Elective hysterectomy was performed in 7 (12.73%) cases because of neoplastic process and uterine myoma, while in 48 (87.27%) cases it was performed for heavy bleeding. Most often bleeding occurred due to complications of placenta previa, uteroplacental apoplexy, premature placental ablation, uterine rupture and atony. Total hysterectomy was performed in 30 (54.54%) cases and subtotal hysterectomy in 25 (45.45%) cases. Bilateral adnexectomy was performed in 3 (5.45%) cases. Urinary bladder injury occurred in 4 (7.27%) patients, wound infection in 11 (20.00%) patients, urinary infection in 3 (5.45%) and pelvic peritonitis in 1 (1.82%) patient. One maternal death (1.82%) occurred due to DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). Out of 57 delivered newborns 20 (35.10%) died in the perinatal period. There were 13 stillbirths (22.80%), whereas 7 newborns (12.30%) died in the early neonatal period due to prematurity and RDS (respiratory distress syndrome).