A REVIEW OF INDICATIONS OF ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY PERFORMED FOR BENIGN GYNAECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL WAH CANT PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: To review the indications of abdominal hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions in a tertiary care hospital in Wah Cantt, Pakistan.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Setting: Gynaecology & Obstetrics department of Wah Medical college and allied Pakistan Ordnance Factory hospital (POF) Wah Cantt, for eighteen months, from January 2007 to June 2008.
Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of the medical record of 159 patients was done. Convenience sampling was done and data analysed in the form of frequency and percentages by using SPSS version 10. Patients having abdominal hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions during the study period were included. Exclusion criteria included uterovaginal prolapse, malignancies and hysterectomy for obstetrical reasons.
Results: Review of the indications showed that out of 165 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy, benign conditions were present in 159 (96.4%) patients.
Conclusion: The large number (96.4%), of hysterectomies being performed for benign lesions emphasizes the need to periodically review the indications for which hysterectomies are being performed in a unit. This will reduce the burden on the ancillary staff, hospital budget and also reduce the psychological trauma of a woman, associated with the loss of an organ.