Frequency of Intra-Operative and Post-Operative Complications of Hysterectomy: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hysterectomy is a commonly performed major gynecological procedure, but it may be associated with important intra-operative and post-operative complications that influence patient safety, recovery, and healthcare burden. Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of intra-operative and post-operative complications among patients undergoing abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy at Farooq Hospital, Lahore. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional observational study included 84 women aged 20–60 years who underwent abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy during a four-month study period. Patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were excluded. Data were collected using a structured proforma and included demographic characteristics, parity, surgeon-related variables, type of hysterectomy, indication for surgery, intra-operative complications, and post-operative complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 and summarized as frequencies and percentages. Results: Abdominal hysterectomy was performed in 48 patients (57.1%) and vaginal hysterectomy in 36 patients (42.9%). The most common indications were fibroid uterus (26.2%), heavy bleeding (23.8%), and prolapse (21.4%). Intra-operative complications occurred in 65 patients (77.4%), most commonly bowel injury and pelvic bleeding (15.5% each), followed by bladder injury (14.3%) and ureteric injury (13.1%). Post-operative complications occurred in 69 patients (82.1%), most commonly wound infection (14.3%), anuria (13.1%), and hematoma (11.9%). Conclusion: Hysterectomy was associated with a considerable intra-operative and post-operative complication burden in this cohort. Route-wise complication reporting and inferential analysis are recommended in future studies.