Abdominal hysterectomy: indications and complications.

This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the indications and complications for non-radical abdominal hysterectomy. Between 1 July 1990 and 30 June 1991, 176 women underwent abdominal hysterectomy in our Department. The indications for hysterectomy, the conservation of ovaries, type of concurrent procedures, choice of incision, choice of fascial closure in midline incisions, use of prophylactic antibiotics and complications of abdominal hysterectomy were analysed. The most common indication was uterine leiomyomata followed by pelvic endometriosis and premalignant disease. Haemorrhage requiring transfusion was the commonest intra-operative complication. Unintended surgical procedures occurred in almost 3% of patients.