An audit of the indications for peripartum hysterectomies performed at a tertiary institution in Johannesburg, South Africa: A retrospective study.

Background: Peripartum hysterectomy (PH), the surgical removal of the uterus during or shortly after childbirth, is a critical procedure in maternal health care. Definitions of PH vary globally, leading to challenges in understanding its occurrence. Our study aimed to provide comprehensive insights into PH in a South African context, investigating indications, demographic characteristics, clinical and histopathological diagnoses, complications, and outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective record review study design was used, focusing on PH cases at a tertiary facility in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA), between January 2018 and December 2020. Medical records were systematically examined to identify trends, indications, and outcomes associated with PH. Data collection encompassed demographic characteristics, obstetric history, clinical indications, clinical and histopathological diagnoses, and complications. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, interrater reliability tests, and comparative findings with previous SA studies.

Results: The study included 56 pregnant women with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range: 25-35) who underwent PH between January 2018 and December 2020 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in South Africa. We found that pregnancy-related sepsis (PRS) emerged as the most common indication of PH, as reported among 18 (32.1%) of the women, with an 88.8% histopathological confirmation rate. Abnormal placentation (14/56, 25%) and PPH (8/56, 14%) were other common indications. Clinical and histopathological diagnoses exhibited a strong level of agreement (70.9%), emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnostics.

Conclusion: Our study found a shift in the primary historical indications, such as uterine atony and uterine rupture in South Africa, with PRS emerging as the primary indication in recent years(2009-2020). Clinical assessment complemented by histopathological findings remains critical for improved obstetric complication management.